From Party Animals to Parenting Pros: How Reality Stars Redefine 'Growing Up'
There’s something oddly captivating about watching reality TV stars transition from their 20s to their 30s. It’s like witnessing a real-time experiment in human evolution—except instead of developing opposable thumbs, they’re learning to trade late-night clubbing for early-morning parenting. Take the cast of Vanderpump Rules and The Valley, for instance. Their shift from SUR shifts and hangovers to school runs and sobriety is more than just a lifestyle change; it’s a cultural pivot that says a lot about aging, priorities, and the elusive concept of ‘growing up.’
The Hangover Years: When Mornings Were Optional
Let’s start with the early days, because honestly, who doesn’t love a good nostalgia trip? Back in the Vanderpump Rules era, mornings were a luxury—something you did only if you absolutely had to. Tom Schwartz, for example, would wake up hungover (because, let’s face it, who wasn’t back then?) and kick off the day with a Bloody Mary. Personally, I think this says a lot about the culture of that time: it was all about excess, impulsivity, and the belief that consequences were for tomorrow.
Lala and Brittany’s routines were equally telling. Lala would roll out of bed somewhere between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., text Scheana, and head to Mixology for breakfast and drinks. Then, in a move that screams ‘20-something logic,’ they’d smoke a blunt and work out. What makes this particularly fascinating is how it reflects the blurred lines between work and play in their lives. Their jobs at SUR didn’t start until the evening, so the day was theirs to squander—or, as they saw it, to live to the fullest.
Brittany’s mornings were similarly unstructured. No alarms, no rush, just the freedom to sleep in because, well, why not? It’s a lifestyle that’s both enviable and unsustainable, which is probably why it’s so intriguing to watch. What many people don’t realize is that this phase isn’t just about partying; it’s about the luxury of time and the illusion of endless possibilities.
The Parenting Pivot: When 6 a.m. Becomes the New Normal
Fast forward to The Valley era, and everything has flipped. Tom is now a self-proclaimed ‘morning guy,’ hitting the gym before noon and tackling his podcast and emails by 1 p.m. In my opinion, this shift isn’t just about maturity; it’s about the pressure to prove that you’ve ‘made it.’ Tom’s mornings are a statement: he’s no longer the guy who needs a Bloody Mary to start the day. He’s the guy who’s in love, ambitious, and, most importantly, productive.
Lala’s transformation is even more striking. She wakes up at 6 a.m. to have coffee in silence before her kids wake up at 7. It’s a small detail, but I find it especially interesting because it speaks to the need for solitude in a life that’s now defined by chaos. Her mornings are no longer about self-indulgence; they’re about carving out a sliver of time that’s just hers.
Brittany’s days now revolve around her son, Cruz. Her mornings start early, with smoothies packed with vitamins and therapy sessions. What this really suggests is that parenting isn’t just a lifestyle change—it’s a complete identity shift. Brittany’s no longer the SUR server who sleeps in; she’s the mom who makes sure her picky eater gets all his nutrients.
The Afternoons: From SUR to Swim Lessons
If mornings are about routine, afternoons are where the real transformation happens. In the Vanderpump Rules days, afternoons were about SUR shifts, auditions, and the occasional pregame. It was a time of hustle, but also of aimlessness. Tom was chasing acting gigs, while Brittany and Lala were running around the restaurant, trying to keep up with the chaos.
Now, afternoons are about structure and purpose. Brittany spends hers at the park, the aquarium, or the pool with Cruz. Lala records podcasts while her kids try to copy her workout moves. Tom, on the other hand, has embraced a more relaxed pace. He grabs a happy hour drink (just one or two, mind you) and checks in with family. It’s a far cry from the afternoons of his 20s, and I think that’s the point. Growing up isn’t about doing more; it’s about doing less—but with intention.
Nights: From Clubbing to Bedtime Stories
Here’s where the contrast is most striking. In the Vanderpump Rules era, nights were a blur of late dinners, clubs, and after-parties. Lala puts it perfectly: ‘There was no bedtime.’ It was all about seeing where the night took them, whether it was a hilltop mansion or someone’s gritty apartment. And let’s not forget the Taco Bell—because what’s a night out without some 2 a.m. fast food?
Now, their nights are all about early dinners and bedtime rituals. Brittany wants to eat at 5 p.m., Lala’s group chat is obsessed with getting home by 7, and Tom’s idea of a perfect night involves ginger ale, his dogs, and Friends reruns. If you take a step back and think about it, this isn’t just about getting older; it’s about redefining what ‘fun’ means. It’s about finding joy in the quiet moments instead of the chaotic ones.
What This Really Means for the Rest of Us
So, what’s the takeaway here? Personally, I think it’s this: growing up isn’t about giving up the things you love; it’s about finding new ways to love them. Tom, Lala, and Brittany haven’t stopped living—they’ve just shifted their priorities. Their lives are no longer about escapism; they’re about presence.
This raises a deeper question: can we all strike that balance? Can we be the people who stay out until 3 a.m. and the ones who make it home for bedtime stories? Maybe not. But watching these reality stars navigate this transition is a reminder that life isn’t about staying the same; it’s about evolving. And honestly? That’s way more interesting than any clubbing montage could ever be.
