[Celebrity Parents] 5 Tips To Having It All

source [celebrity baby scoop]

If Family’s First, You’re a Really Close Second. For most parents, kids and family come first – often, before your own needs -- and getting out of that mindset can be difficult. So, if your children are your first priority, make sure that YOU are a close second, and commit to scheduling as much time for yourself as you do for your loved ones and your other responsibilities.

Take it from Keith Urban:

I know for me, family is first and I just make sure that I spread my time amongst the things that I love to do as well. Balance is never achieved, it’s just maintained. And so far, I’ve been able to maintain it.”

Get Real! “When I was a new mom, I used to think that life was going to be balanced, and I strived for that,” shares actress Brooke Burke, who, like millions of other moms around the world, found herself trying to live up to some pretty unrealistic standards. But as the Dancing with the Stars co-host soon realized, “Life is crazy! I’ve got two little ones a year apart – my daughter Rain, 4, and my son, Shaya, 3—and two older daughters—Neriah, 11, and Sierra, 9—and a million things to do. I gave up on the expectation that everything was going to be picture-perfect.”

Simply acknowledging that as awesome as the woman down the street seems with her perfect coif and homemade everything, there’s no such thing as Super Mom. That alone can go a long way in helping you to set your priorities, relieve stress, and keep you from locking yourself in the bathroom until the kids tire themselves out and fall asleep on their own.

Don’t Try To Go It Alone. As a parent – especially for women – it’s sometimes easier to request a root canal than it is to ask for help running the household; even if we know we need it. But as Fraiser alum Jane Leeves says, “I think it takes a village. I have so much support. I have an incredible husband who is extremely hands-on and has sort of taken a backseat to my work. He’s Mr. Mom most of the time.”

Keep It In the Family. It’s not always possible, but if you’re fortunate enough to have close friends and family members nearby that are willing and able to lend a hand – use them! Doing so can help eliminate at least a little bit of the mom-guilt; especially if you’re able to return the favor to another parent in need.

I have a really supportive family,” explains Leeves. “I have a sister who lives here, and when my daughter started pre-school, she has a daughter the same age, so she’d take them both to preschool and pick them up. So my kids have always been with family.”

It’s About Time. Striking the right balance with anything requires a little bit of planning. Being organized and punctual makes it easier for you to use your time wisely, and keeps you from adding unnecessary stress to your everyday activities.

“I’m realistic about what I can achieve because I can’t stand that feeling of constantly rushing and being late,” reveals model mama Cindy Crawford. “I feel like I’ve finally found a good balance and even have a little time left over for myself.”