How to Balance Work and Family, According to Moms

If you’ve been a Mini reader for any amount of time, you will note that we jump at the opportunity to ask about the keys to balancing work and parenthood. It’s a conundrum many parents can relate to and we’re happy to provide a bit of inspiration and insight just in time for Mother’s Day.

This week, Sarah Jessica Parker, Joy Mangano, Louise Camuto and Gemma Lionello will be recognized at the 38th Annual Outstanding Mother Awards and having found their stride in the daily demands (and rewards!) of highly successful careers and motherhood, they share their thoughts on who and what helped them get to where they are:

Sarah Jessica ParkerActress, Producer and Businesswoman
“I can think of no one who has made a stronger impression or has been more influential than my own mother. My mother was industrious, motivated, ambitious and dedicated to a full and rich life for us that had little to do with money and much to do with books, music, culture, curiosity and imagination,” says Parker. “She instilled in us a sort of resilience and independence that I rely upon everyday in my grown up life.”

Joy ManganoInventor, Entrepreneur and President, Ingenious Designs, LLC
“My family will be the first to tell you that I don’t approach my work and family life separately; I blend everything!” the Miracle Mop creator says. “I’ve always made sure that we stay by each other’s side every step of the way and that is the most important lesson I’ve tried to instill in my children over the years.”

Louise CamutoChief Creative Officer, Camuto Group
“The most important lesson in life I try to teach my son and stepchildren is that you need to come home happy each day. I have always taught them that in order to succeed in life, you  must love and be passionate about what you do.”

Gemma LionelloExecutive Vice President and General Merchandise Manager of Beauty, Nordstrom
“Don’t feel like you need to follow a certain example. Do what is right for your family and situation,” Lionello says. “Give yourself permission to make mistakes, it’s okay. Your kids know they are loved and will learn and grow from watching you accomplish and realize your dreams both at work and at home.”

Proceeds of the 2016 Outstanding Mother Awards, presented by the National Mother’s Day Committee, will benefit Save the Children‘s U.S. programs, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to making lasting positive change in the lives of children living in poverty in the United States.

Stay in the Mother’s Day mood with these 15 Gifts to Treat Yourself to This Year or read the Busy Morning Routines of 6 Cool Moms.

Opening Image: Annie Leibovitz, Vogue, November 2009