I think most women these days can understand me juggling a career with being a mom because most of us do. I think I'm luckier than most because most women work nine to five and don't see their kids. I work six months a year or eight months a year.
When my son was a mere three months old, I started working at the State Department. I was not only the youngest Assistant Secretary of State but I was also a breastfeeding mother. I'm the first to admit that this felt crazy at times, and the balancing act is never ever easy. But my two kids are the most wonderful things that have ever happened to me.
Being a working mommy is something I've always wanted to be. My mother is my biggest role model and she showed me how to do it right.
When children are little, they really need you in one way. When they're bigger, they need you as a friend. And balancing motherhood and career makes you both a better mother and a better businesswoman.
I adore going to movie sets and being part of a team trying to create something. And yet, I hate to miss even one bedtime with my girls. . . My sisters both are working mothers. I understand that my being an actress as well as being at home isn't some heroic thing. That doesn't mean it isn't confusing or difficult--especially that question of how you find a balance.
I think one of the coolest things for my daughters is that they'll get to see their mom being a working mom. It's one of the things I'll be most proud of.
Every working mom I know is constantly walking some kind of a tightrope of guilt.
It can often happen that motherhood can really stop a lot of women in their tracks and I wanted to try and keep working through that as much as I could.
I ordinarily do one film a year and the rest of the time I'm at home with the kids. Even when I am working I'm still basically at home and with the kids. I've never left them to go to work.
I have so much admiration for women who are mothers, who balance family and work. I see them and I have this word in my head - respect. I also look to learn. I see these women and I think, 'Yes, it can be balanced, it can all work out.'
I think to have a regular job and be a mom is not as, of course there are challenges, but it's not like being on set.
