ModernMom.com: Bridgette Wilson-Sampras talks about putting family first

Bridgette Wilson-Sampras isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty with a little finger paint.  The 34-year-old actress, wife to tennis great Pete Sampras and mom to sons Christian Charles, 5 and Ryan Nikolaos, 2 ½, says she keeps busy by spending time at a preschool co-op which "requires a fair amount of involvement."  Not that she’s complaining!  Says Bridgette,

I love it.

Being a lot of different things to a lot of different people — even little people, as the case may be — is all part of being a modern mom, Bridgette tells ModernMom.com in a new interview.

A Modern Mom is a woman who has the ability to put the job of ‘mommy’ above all yet still find time to take care of her own body and spirit. I work out every morning before the kids get up and it helps me tremendously throughout my day—I’m a better mom for it! I also have a ‘girls’ night’ every once in awhile to nurture my girlfriends, who I love and treasure. And very importantly, I schedule a regular ‘date night’ to keep our love as a couple strong so we as parents are even stronger!

Bridgette says that, for her, it’s an easy choice to put family first.  But when she does take time out for herself professionally, her family — in turn — rallies around her.

I balance family and career by doing what makes me the happiest!  That for me, without question, is putting my family and kids first. Therefore, I work a lot less acting wise, but the jobs I do take mean something to me and my surrounding support system knows it. They work extra hard to help me during those times! Pete takes on more, and my mom will travel with me on location. I’m blessed to have the best of both worlds, but I do believe its because I work to nurture both. 

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.