"Always put your family first," is a surprising mantra for someone as high profile and in demand as Nancy ODell, co-anchor of NBCs Access Hollywood. A permanent presence on L.A.s glitziest red carpets, ODell has learned that communicating your priorities is the only way to have them respected by the people around you.

Her personal philosophy is clearly working. ODell manages her career around a busy home life: shes the mother of three, including stepsons Tyler, 12, and Carson, 8, and her three-month old daughter Ashby with her husband, technology industry executive Keith Zubchevich. ODell also finds time to be a Celebrity Ambassador for Childhelp USA, an organization committed to meeting the needs of abused and neglected children. Heres what she had to say about being a Modern Mom.

MM: What's your definition of a Modern Mom?

NO: Someone who can balance a career and family at the same time and can do it well.

MM: What's your secret to balancing a career and family?

NO: Always put your family first! Trust me, your boss will respect you more for it and that's a good thing at work. Also, you will feel better about yourself and that makes for a better employee. Someone who feels guilty because they know their priorities are mixed up won't be at their most efficient.

MM: What did your parents teach you about parenting?

NO: Communication. My parents always made me feel I could talk to them about anything and I honestly feel that's why I never got into any trouble at a young age.

MM: What do you want to teach your children?

NO: I want to teach my children the art of communicating as well -- asking questions, talking about their feelings instead of acting out. I also want them to feel so much love. I want to teach them security to always known that their parents will be there for them no what. That makes for more confident individuals, now and as they grow up.

MM: Who do you admire most?

NO: I know it sounds clich to say it, but my parents for sure. There was never a moment in my life when I ever felt they weren't there for me. I always felt tremendous love from them. I wish they could write a book on parenting because I would study every chapter!

MM: What's your favorite family activity?

NO: I love throwing the football with my stepsons and my husband. It was such a bonding moment when my stepsons saw I could throw a spiral! Those many days of throwing the ball with my college boyfriend, who was a football player, paid off.

MM: What is your greatest achievement?

NO: Creating my baby daughter, Ashby, of course!

MM: What products can't you live without?

NO: My Clinique Bronzing Gel and my Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs. I grew up in a beach community, so I love a tan but a real tan from the sun isn't so healthy.

MM: What do you do when you're feeling selfish?

NO: Go for a run. I love running in my neighborhood and it is certainly helping to take off the baby weight.

MM: What's keeping you busy these days?

NO: My 3-month-old baby and breastfeeding. Nursing is a whole other profession in itself!

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