Melina Kanakaredes says her children are her “greatest gift”

Melina Kanakaredes, in her third season of CSI: New York, spoke to ModernMom.com about her daughters, Zoe , 6, and Karina Eleni, 3, with husband, chef and restauranteur Peter Constantinades.

What do you want to teach your children?
To be fearless, kind, and appreciative.

What’s your favorite way to spend family time?
Turn the music up really loud at home, in my trailer, etc., and dance.

What’s your secret to balancing career and family?
An amazing husband helps, yet most importantly it’s putting family first no matter how unconventional your methods have to be.  For instance 6pm is family dinner time in our household. We eat together whether our dinner table is in my trailer downtown, at the set or in our kitchen.

What is your greatest achievement?
I would say my children, but they are my greatest gift. So ultimately my greatest achievement is maintaining my career while sustaining a happy marriage and kids.

For more of the interview and other great parenting resources, visit ModernMom.com. Modern Mom features smart and practical advice on topics such as parenting, finances, career, health, wellness, beauty, entertainment and more.