July 28th, 2010
KELLY RUTHERFORD
Actress and mom to Hermes, 3 ½, Daughter Helena age 1 ½
We caught up with Kelly Rutherford, star of the hit show Gossip Girl, who was happy to talk about her support of Hayneedle and their involvement with Child Help, an organization with a mission to prevent child abuse. Kelly said she got involved because she likes “to do my best to support people and organizations that are involved with children and mothers and pregnancy.” Glowing in a nautical top and white Capri pants, she was even more beautiful in person than on the screen and emanated a quiet grace. She was quiet on the subjects of upcoming projects, leaving us to think there are some things in the works, but opened up at length about her role as a mother.
We sized up Kelly in our PINT SIZED interview:
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a mom. I wanted to be so many things that I think that’s why I became an actress: it allows me to be everything. I didn’t want to do the same thing every day. I took an acting class and loved it. I was always inspired by films.
What are your favorite kids’ shops/brands?
I love Hayneedle’s princess and pirate beds, both of which would go over very well at our house, and the art project table. I love their art table, I have one of those. Art is a really big thing in our house. I know David Netto makes some great things, Maclaren makes some great things and Bugaboo makes great things. I also tend to go for things that are eco-friendly. There is a great store in Los Angeles called Green for Baby. They do great organic mattresses. There is one called Nook. They are so comfortable that I want one for myself.
What do you wish you had more time for?
Well I make time and space by recycling all of the children’s stuff. If I meet someone in a café who is having a baby I’ll ask them if I can send them things. It’s just easier. Then they don’t have to go and buy it. I’m constantly giving things that I can’t use and it’s a great way to clean out your house.
What is the key to balancing a successful career and being a successful parent?
Gossip Girl is big and it’s doing really well and I’m thankful. But you know I work 1 to 4 days a week and have 3 to 4 months off a year, so I am very fortunate. I try to prioritize on the days that I’m not working that I’m with my kids. It takes juggling a bit, but all things do. In this day and age, every mom is different and every relationship with their children is different. It depends on how involved you want to be, and I really want to be involved. I waited a long time to have kids and I’ve had 20 years of great work thankfully, and I hope to continue to work. I love my job and what I do. My mother worked and she was very inspiring and was also very present. I think you can do both, but there is obviously more pressure on the woman than on the man because the man goes to work but he doesn’t have to be pregnant, or give birth or breast feed. A lot of times the woman is more hands on in organizing the child’s day, what they’re wearing, etc..
What are your favorite things to do with your kids?
I like to just cuddle with them. We watch Super Friends and I go in their playroom and I just listen to what they’re doing and what they want for dinner. I let them guide a lot. It’s really fun because I realize that everything is new to them everyday. I just try to keep it fun and exciting for them as they’re learning. I like to be more involved in their world than have them have to be on my schedule.
What is your favorite thing to do alone?
I like to go for a massage or a yoga class. But to relax I like to go for a bike ride with the kids. Or picnics in the park. We make art projects with the things we find in the park, or go to the playground.
What are three things that you can’t live without?
Baby wipes for sure. (Laughing.) I clean everything with baby wipes. Even when I am at work I wish I had baby wipes just to wash my hands. But really, that and a good night’s sleep and good healthy foods so I can just keep up with everything.
Anna Schonberg
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