In my weekly column "10 Questions," I chat with an inspirational mom about her family, career and more.
This week, Melina Kanakaredes - star of "CSI: New York" and
mother of two young daughters - shares her secrets to balancing
family with a high-profile career.
Lolita: What's your definition of a Modern Mom?
Melina: Any mom who has had a baby in the last ten or so years....inevitably we all start sounding like our own moms. Therefore the modernization of "mom" is just dealing with today's obstacles. Like our mothers we do it all, the only difference is our careers force us to be even stronger multi-taskers.
Lolita: What's your secret to balancing career and family?
Melina: An amazing husband helps, yet most importantly it's
putting family first no matter how unconventional your methods
have to be. For instance 6pm is family dinner time in our
household. We eat together whether our dinner table is in my
trailer downtown, at the set or in our kitchen.
Lolita: What do you want to teach your children?
Melina: To be fearless, kind, and appreciative.
Lolita: What's your favorite way to spend family time?
Melina: Turn the music up really loud at home, in my trailer, etc., and dance.
Lolita: What did your parents teach you about parenting?
Melina: Everything.
Lolita: What is your greatest achievement?
Melina: I would say my children, but they are my greatest
gift. So ultimately my greatest achievement is maintaining my
career while sustaining a happy marriage and kids.
Lolita: Who do you consider your role model?
Melina: My grandfather. Christos Temo. He came to this country at 19 years old. Worked, learned the language and believed in educating his family. Ultimately his sacrifices gave me the opportunity to dream.
Lolita: What do you do when you're feeling selfish?
Melina: Take a bubble bath.
Lolita: What product can't you live without?
Melina: My Macbook Pro.
Lolita: Tell us what you're up to now...
Melina: I am presently working on the third season of "CSI: New York," which premiered on September 20th. I've also successfully gotten through the first half of first grade with my oldest daughter Zoe, 6, and pre-school with Karina, 3.
I'm very excited to continue supporting the Children Affected by AIDS Foundation in their fight to help children around the world affected by AIDS. The Foundation's signature fundraising event, Dream Halloween, held each year in Los Angeles, New York and Chicago, has helped raise more than $23 million for children impacted by this disease.
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