In my weekly column "10 Questions," I interview an inspirational mom about how she balances her family, career and self.
This week, Days Of Our Lives' Alison Sweeney shares her secrets to balancing motherhood and a busy career, her addiction to Diet Coke and more.
Lolita: What's your definition of a Modern Mom?
Alison: There is no easy answer to this. In 2007, so many women are career moms, I think that is a really tricky balancing act. But, Modern Moms are making it work. I think for a long time working moms felt they had to separate their family from their work persona - try to hide the mom in them at work. But lately, a lot of moms I know embrace their family lives and incorporate it to make them even better at their careers.
Lolita: What's your secret to balancing career and family?
Alison: The main thing for me is taking it one day at a time. It is definitely a juggling act, but if I look at the big picture of all the stuff I've got going on, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Taking it one day at a time helps me to get everything done.
Lolita: What did your parents teach you about parenting?
Alison: My parents were great at encouraging my brothers and me to try new things. I was never a picky eater or afraid to try new activities. My parents encouraged us to try sports, after-school activities and all sorts of new things. That mindset has helped me tremendously in my life and I hope I can share that with Ben.
Lolita: What do you want to teach Ben?
Alison: There are so many things I want to teach Ben as he grows! A really important thing for both my husband and me is that Ben has good manners. I really want him to grow up being a polite and well-mannered child. He isn't even two yet and Ben already says "please" and "thank you." He's a very sweet and kind little boy, he laughs all the time, and shares easily. I think that's so important, so I really want to continue to encourage him in that direction.
Lolita: What's your favorite family activity?
Alison: We take family walks with our two dogs. It's so much fun to walk in the park together. We do a lot of fun stuff - family trips and such - but just playing together in the park as a family is my favorite.
Lolita: Who do you admire most?
Alison: My biggest inspiration is all of the working mothers who find the perfect balance when juggling their careers and their families.
Lolita: What is your greatest achievement?
Alison: I would definitely say Ben is my greatest achievement to date. Though I guess I can't take a lot of credit for him turning out so great. Nature, and my husband, Dave, had a lot to do with it.
Lolita: What product(s) can't you live without?
Alison: The first thing that comes to mind is Diet Coke. Ha! I am totally hooked on it, though I probably shouldn't admit it. And my Kiehl's lip balm. Especially right now - it's so dry, and I am constantly re-applying. And as a mom, I would say Crayola's washable crayons are just a genius idea! Couldn't live without them!
Lolita: What do you do when you're feeling selfish?
Alison: Get a massage. It is such therapy for me, to take a break from work, and family and everything and just zone out. But it totally revitalizes me to get back to the real world and give 100% when I take time out like that.
Copyright 2007 Modern Mom, LLC. All rights reserved.
0 |
