Pregnancy & Parenting

10 Questions: Felicity Huffman

By Lolita Carrico on March 17, 2009

Desperate Housewives star Felicity Huffman is no stranger to the awards circuit with an Emmy, an Obie, a Golden Globe, an Independent Spirit Award, and two Screen Actors Guild awards on her mantle...not to mention countless nods including an Academy Award nomination for Transamerica.

A true modern mom to two young girls (Sofia, 7, and Georgia, 5), the actress, author and entrepreneur tells us about the one award that she never expected.

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

Felicity: I'll start with my definition of an old-fashioned mom: a mom who puts the needs of everyone else above hers to her own detriment. A modern mom respects herself and honors her needs on par with those of her family.

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

Felicity: Honestly, I don't have one. I rush from one thing to another and have a lot of guilt...I'm still striving to find that balance. But, I will say that having great, reliable childcare is essential and I'm thankful that I can have caregivers who have been with us since our girls were born. For any mom, solid childcare -- whether it's a babysitter, a relative, or daycare -- makes all the difference. And, my husband, Bill, is amazing too...he travels a lot for work, but when he's here, he's HERE.

Lolita: What did your parents teach you about parenting?

Felicity: My mom raised me and gave me the gift of fun and pleasure. She showed me how to enjoy every moment. Another great gift was that she didn't make motherhood out to be the best thing in the world she was honest about how tough it can be. I can always call her and say, "It's so hard!" and not feel bad about it.

Lolita: What do you want to teach your daughters, Sofia and Georgia?

Felicity: I want them to have a strong sense of self...that they can always listen to and rely on.

Lolita: What's your favorite family activity?

Felicity: Tickling on the couch! And we sing a lot...Bill plays the ukulele or the guitar and we sing together. We also love to take long walks in our neighborhood.