Balancing Motherhood and Acting: My Journey to Passion and Family

Becoming an actor is a dream for many, but what happens when you’re also a parent? Juggling auditions, set schedules, and family life may seem overwhelming, but it’s entirely possible. In this post, I’ll share my journey of navigating the acting world while raising children—and yes, it’s been quite the adventure.

My Journey Into Acting: Starting in My 30s

• The Leap of Faith: I began my professional acting career six years ago at the age of 30. It wasn’t an easy decision, but I was determined to chase my passion while raising my children.
• Timing Is Everything: My daughters were in school and daycare, giving me weekdays from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM to focus on auditions, shoots, and building my career.

Parenting Through a Pandemic

• The New Normal: The pandemic hit, and suddenly my kids were home 24/7 for two years. Online school became the norm, and all auditions transitioned to self-tapes.
• Tips for Managing Auditions at Home:
• Prepare an hour before taping: snacks, bathroom breaks, and setup.
• Use a “Do Not Disturb” sign during recordings.
• Structure is key—routines helped my kids understand boundaries.

Even with the chaos, I managed to adapt, embracing the quirks of at-home auditions and teaching my kids about flexibility.

Pro Tip for Parents

Consistency in your kids’ routines creates smoother transitions. Get that parenting book you love—mine was “The Baby Whisperer.”

🌟 The Power of Homeschooling for Creative Families

Post-pandemic, we transitioned into homeschooling, and it was a game-changer! Here’s why:

• Flexible Schedules: No more rigid school hours meant we could travel for work or family projects without missing a beat.
• Condensed Learning: My kids finish their studies faster, leaving more time for creative pursuits.
• Independent Growth: They’ve become self-sufficient, balancing their education with content creation for their own YouTube channel.

For anyone considering homeschooling, platforms like Outschool.com are a treasure trove of resources.

👩‍👧‍👦 Using My Family in My Acting Career

Yes, you read that right—my kids have been my secret weapon for booking gigs! Commercials often look for “real families,” and during the pandemic’s bubble filming era, this worked in our favor.

• Key Wins:
• National commercials booked as a family
• Triple or quadruple pay for family roles
• Lifelong memories of working together

If you’re an actor with kids, don’t hesitate to involve them. It can open unexpected doors and provide unique opportunities.

✨ The Transition to Union Acting

As my career grew, I moved into union work to prioritize quality roles. This shift reduced the overwhelming flood of auditions and brought me closer to my ultimate goal—television and film projects.

💡 Tips for Aspiring Actor-Parents

Balancing creative passions and family life isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. Here’s what I’ve learned:

1. Set Boundaries at Home

• Create a dedicated space and time for your craft.
• Teach your kids when it’s okay (and not okay) to interrupt.

2. Leverage Your Network

• Build a support system of family or sitters for long days on set.

3. Prioritize Your Values

• Know what matters most—whether it’s family, acting, or both. Make decisions that align with your long-term vision.

🎬 The Takeaway

Being an actor and a parent isn’t about choosing one over the other; it’s about weaving them together to create a life you love. Yes, sacrifices are part of the equation, but the joy of having a family to celebrate your wins makes it all worthwhile.

🚀 Ready to Start Your Acting Journey?

Being an actor and a parent might seem daunting, but it’s absolutely achievable. Whether you’re considering a career change, exploring homeschooling, or dreaming of making it big on screen, your journey starts with a single step.

Have questions about balancing family life with acting? Let’s connect for more tips, advice, or just a little encouragement! Let’s create a life where passion and family coexist beautifully.