When ModernMom was offered an interview with Candace Cameron Bure, we jumped at the opportunity. Candace is a wife, mom-of-three, author, star of a successful ABC Family show AND has a new television movie coming out. Yup, we’d say she’s a ModernMom.
Cameron-Bure got her start at a very early age as D.J. Tanner on the hit family show, Full House. She landed the role of big sis to moguls Mary Kate and Ashley Olson and Jodie Sweetin at just 10-years-old. And she enjoyed all eight years of her first job. “I loved it,” she said. “I absolutely loved it.” It was hard being a child and balancing school and work, she admits, but it was worth it for such an “enjoyable experience.”
Now, she’s got a Full House of her own. Her and her hubby of 14 years, hockey stud Valerie Bure, have three beautiful children: Natasha,12, Lev, 11 and Maksim, 9. Fourteen years is a lifetime in Hollywood, so we had to ask Candace about her secret to maintaining a happy marriage. “I think it’s really about putting your spouse’s needs before your own,” she said thoughtfully. “I support my husband and help him, and I know in return, he will do the same for me. When people treat you well, it’s human nature to want to give that back.” She admits it’s sometimes difficult, but always worth it.
With three kids and a booming career, Candace does her best to manage her time. “It’s an incredibly hard balance,” she says. “Most days I don’t think I do it very well.” For her, it’s all about priorities. “I know that God and my family are my priorities. Everything else seems to find its place.” Over the years she has learned to say no, which is never easy. “The emails are endless!” We know how you feel, Candace! She really “hunkers down” when the kids are in school during the day. It’s the perfect time to get things done, she says.
It’s really important to Candace that she makes time for herself. She released her bestselling book, Reshaping It All: Motivation for Physical and Spiritual Fitness that provides tools to inspire women to embrace a healthier lifestyle. “It’s so easy to get off track,” she told us. Between “carpooling, making dinner and going to sports practice, it’s hard to find time to take care of yourself.” Every morning, Candace is up at 5 a.m. and works out between 5:30 and 6:30. But it’s not just about exercise; Candace also makes a point to eat well. “I know how much better I feel,” she says. “That’s what keeps me motivated.” There are definitely times when working out just doesn’t fit in the schedule, but she always tries to stay on track. “I can’t imagine going back to feeling sluggish and not fitting into my clothes.”
Candace’s book also touches on her struggle with food and ultimately her healthy outlook on weight. It was “slightly scary” being so open in her book, but it was also “incredibly exciting,” she says. “You put yourself out there and hope that people enjoy it.” Reshaping It All became a National Bestseller, and she received great feedback to boot. “People were liking it and were inspired by it,” she said. “I couldn’t have been happier.”
Candace’s most fulfilling role is that of Mom. When asked to describe her parenting style in one word she paused for a moment, until she came up with a great idea. “My daughter is home sick from school today,” she said. “I’m going to ask her!” After some laughs and giggles, Candace returned, “She says ‘not modern.’ I guess that means old-fashioned?” She’s 12-years-old and thinks she’s the only one left without a cell phone, Candace explains. “But having a cell phone requires a certain amount of responsibility,” she says. “She is never anywhere where I can’t get a hold of her.”
It’s obvious that she’s truly a caring and dedicated parent. “It’s so important that I’m mentally with my children when I’m physically with them. Whether you’re doing homework, at the park or shopping – your mind can be elsewhere.” She says she really focuses on “turning off her mind and being present with her kids.” Her kids recognize when she’s paying attention (and when she’s not!). “They know it, and they get it,” she says. “It makes the bond [between my kids and I] so much stronger.”
She loves to bring her kids to the set of her television show, Make It or Break It. “It’s a complete role reversal,” she says. “My mom used to bring me to the set of Full House, and now, I get to go to work and bring my kids.” Make It or Break It returns to ABC Family on March 28th, and her new movie, Truth Be Told premieres on FOX Family Saturday, April 16th. Truth Be Told is the 5th installment of Fox’s Family Movie Night Initiative. “You can really learn from this movie,” she says. “It’s a great family movie and it’s fun!”
A whole generation of America grew up watching Candace portray the spunky, cool, older sister D.J. Tanner on Full House. And today, I have no qualms about saying that Candace truly has become a successful career woman, mother and role model.
