Goddess: celebrity moms

• 'Spotlight to Nightlight': Single Moms

  posted by Ali Landry - Mon Sep 21 2009, 9:29 AM PDT

  celebs: Nia Long | Ali Landry
  topics: Kids

  Being a single mother can mean twice the work, but it can also mean twice the joy. Many celebrity moms are juggling homework assignments and Hollywood premieres, and are as comfortable on the playground as they are on the red carpet. On this episode of "Spotlight to Nightlight," host Ali Landry talks to actress Nia Long about the joys and struggles of raising her 9-year-old son, Massai, as a single working mom.
  
  

  
  
  Ali's Take
  I have so much respect for all mothers, but I am in awe of single mothers. It is challenging enough to raise a child in a two-parent home, so I can't even imagine how tough it would be as a single parent. I have a dear friend who is a single mom and she really is her child's everything. It is a big responsibility and a lot of weight for one person to carry, but I know the rewards are incredible. I see the bond that my friend and her child have; it is so strong. I admire her so much.
  
  During our conversation, Nia and I talked about how she manages to be there for her son, Massai, and also find time for herself. She mentioned that she is teaching her son about "taking a moment" when he acts out or gets frustrated. I love this. I feel that it is never too early to teach your children how to deal with their emotions and behavior and "taking a moment" is a tip we can all use to put emotions into perspective and really put thought in the way we communicate.
  
  She also shared that she starts her day with some peace and quiet and a little meditation ("me time"). She then puts together a plan for the day (her "to do list"). She separates her list into categories: Things that are urgent and must be dealt with on that day, and things that still need to get done but are not necessarily time-sensitive. I think that organizing this way is key to managing so much responsibility (and sometimes chaos). It allows her to make time to take care of her business, take care of herself, and, most importantly, take care of her son. I think that every mother could benefit from this, whether you are a single mom or not. Organization lends to balance, and we are all striving for that.

  Nia Long and her son Massai Lisa Rose
  
  Special thanks to Sugar Baby in Hollywood, California, for hosting us!

  Follow Ali on Twitter and check out her new website.

  Miss past episodes of "Spotlight to Nightlight"? Watch "The Biggest Loser" host Alison Sweeney talk about the elusive work/life balance.

  Check out more past episodes of "Spotlight to Nightlight":

  Raising Teens

  Bilingual Kids

  Celebrity Surrogacy

  Hollywood Fatherhood

  The Name Game

  Blowout Birthday Parties

  Mompreneurs

  Expect the Unexpected

  More on Yahoo!: Explore and view entertainment bites, hand selected for mom on Yahoo! Groups

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