In my weekly column "10 Questions," I talk to an inspirational mom about how she balances her family, career and self.
This week, I chat with Academy Award-winning actress and mother of four Marlee Matlin.
Lolita: What is a Modern Mom?
Marlee: A modern mom is someone who embraces the old and new values when it comes to being a mom. By that, I mean, someone who is not afraid to say she is traditional but willing to embrace what's new and innovative. Also, someone who can adjust at the last moment's notice (as I am asked to do every minute with four kids!) is certainly one I would consider a Modern Mom. Some who has the freedom to make choices and isn't hemmed in by what others THINK she is supposed to do. Whether that means she works, stays at home, is married or single, or does it all, a Modern Mom has the world at her fingertips and has the freedom to explore it all.
Lolita: What's your secret to balancing career and family?
Marlee: Simple answer: A great husband. He is as much of a Modern Dad as I am a Modern Mom. He knows no boundaries. Nothing is just for mom or just for dad. We share family and home duties equally and when one needs to be working or away, he and I both adjust. I couldn't do it without him.
Lolita: What do you want to teach your children?
Marlee: To love and respect mom and dad, grandma and
grandpa, friends and people they meet. To appreciate the
importance of school and enjoy the time to play when it's
presented to them.
Lolita: Favorite thing to do with your family?
Marlee: Being together, whether it's traveling to our mountain home or spending a quiet weekend in the backyard. Our children's ages range from 9 to almost 2 and they all like different things. The best thing is to find something we all love to do together; those are the best times.
Lolita: What did your parents teach you about parenting?
Marlee: That nobody's perfect. Just do the best you can and follow your gut instincts. They did the same when doctors recommended to them that they should just give up on their little girl whom they discovered had become deaf at 18 months. Instead of sending me to an institution hundreds of miles away, they decided to keep me at home and send me to local schools. They wanted to be there every morning when I went to school and tuck me in every night to say "I Love You." They never took no for an answer and did what felt right for them. That's the lesson I learned from them and hope I can inspire my children to dream the same way my parents inspired me to dream.
Lolita: What is your greatest achievement?
Marlee: My children/family. Second would be my "can do" attitude.
Lolita: Who do you admire?
Marlee: My children, my husband, my parents, and my mentor, Henry Winkler, who told me when I was 13 that I could achieve my dreams if I just followed my heart and not let anyone or anything stand in my way.
Lolita: What do you do when you're feeling selfish?
Marlee: I'd like to say a day at the spa, getting a foot rub, pedicure, facial, etc. but I haven't had time! Sleeping in while on a business trip is the ultimate treat. I normally am up by six a.m with the kids. But when I'm away on business, I can actually get the chance to get an extra hour or two; that feels so great!
Lolita: What product can't you live without?
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