Traylor Howard Strikes the Motherhood Balance

Monk star and mother to 7-month-old son Sabu, Traylor Howard, talks with Modern Mom this week about becoming a true modern mom in today's world.

She says, "[A Modern Mom} is one that doesn’t fit in a particular category. I know I don’t fit into one. I had my son when I was 40 and I’m not married and I work full time. Not how I pictured it to be when I was younger, but I’m incredibly happy with my situation! Never imagined my life could be this joyful."

The key for her lifestyle is finding some help that allows her to find "the best of both worlds" as a working mother. She credits her nanny for whom she says she would "pay her last dime." With the help of the nanny, Sabu gets to make daily visits to the Monk set to spend some extra time with his busy mom.

She says, "It really is the best of both worlds. And when I can't be with him, I know he is happy with her - so that gives me peace of mind. All in all, it takes a lot of focus. I also try to take care of myself, because if I don't, I'm no good to him."

Traylor has never publicly disclosed the father of Sabu is intent to helping Sabu grow up to be his own person. She says it important for her to teach him "to be kind. To honor himself — we are all born with certain temperaments, so it’s best to just go with it and not fight who we are."

So far Sabu's interests are fairly simple with his favorite activities being taking baths and dancing.

Traylor is even treasuring a few simple pleasures for herself. When she can squeeze in a few minutes between 14 hour workdays and being a mother to Sabu, she tries to find time to go out to dinner by herself with the company of a good book, a great meal, and a glass of wine.

For more of the interview, visit ModernMom.com, an organization that is focused on helping busy moms find create and maintain balance in their lives.