10 Questions: Scrubs' Christa Miller

Christa Miller and her brood, earlier this year

When she is not appearing as bitchier-than-thou Jordan Sullivan on Scrubs, the long-running NBC hospital comedy created by her husband Bill Lawrence, or performing mommy duties for Charlotte, 7, William, 4 and 11-month-old Henry, Christa is also the unofficial music supervisor of Scrubs, an in-demand actor, and a great friend to her vivacious group of working mom buddies. She talked to Modern Mom about balancing it all.

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

Christa: A modern mom is someone who can organize all the many, many elements of family life, career and marriage and have the stamina to keep it all going.

This summer I was shooting a mini-series, A&Es Andromeda Strain, based on Michael Crichtons novel. It meant that I had to be away from my family for a number of weeks. I was offered the lead, opposite Benjamin Bratt, and I told my husband I just couldnt turn it down. He said, Dont worry. Well work it out.

But while I was away, Bill had to take on the things I did at home. He had to wake up and be with the kids in the morning, do a full day at work, and then come home and play with the kids some more. After I got back, he told me, I never realized this was so exhausting. He said he really started to appreciate what I do. This is what being a modern mom is about.

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

Christa: I have a great husband who really helps with the kids. On Saturday and Sunday, he lets me sleep in and he takes the kids.

I am also very picky about which jobs Ill consider. This is not great for my career but its great for my kids. We are not a mobile family my kids are in school. So I know I cant be away for huge chunks of time. I know that going into a job and thats important to balancing our family life. Sleep is also a huge priority its what helps me keep it all going!

MM: What do you want to teach your children?

Christa: Kindness, respect toward other people and their choices and lifestyles. I want to teach them to be inclusive, not exclusive, towards other people.

Manners are also high on my list. My kids should always be polite, respect adults and other children. They should be kind to their siblings. I teach them that their siblings are their best friends and that they will always be in each others life. There is only ever kindness in our house.

MM: Who do you admire most?

Christa: I admire other moms who work and make it all seem easy. My best friend is a top producer at Fox TV. Our daughters are best friends and they go to the same school. My friend works so much and she is still such a great mom.