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A Balancing Act: Jane Buckingham

At what stage has balancing been the hardest?
Probably now! It was easier before my youngest child had her own social life and activities - I could 'show up' for one but now with two active kids it is much harder to find time to be at two after school activities, two playdates, two games, etc. and still have a big job. Plus my husband is traveling more than ever so more pressure is on me to be there which of course I want to be! I think it will get easier when both children are in school for long days, but now is probably the hardest (I hope).

You and your husband both have successful careers. How do you split the family/parenting responsibilities? I do everything! Just kidding! He's a great dad. Because he travels a lot, when he is home he will pick up the kids and take them for the afternoon or out to dinner and that's a great time for me to work late with no guilt. He's also definitely the sport guy - I delegate all soccer, tag, football to him. I try but am just not that great so I'm there with band-aids but can be cleaning up or organizing. We try to make big decisions together - on any discipline issues or changes in routines. We also really try to plan vacations in advance, otherwise we find they never happen.



Could you have had such a successful career if he was not involved in the child rearing? I would have had a great career but not great kids. He is extremely supportive of me and of what I do. He's very understanding and a huge part of why I am successful.

How does Los Angeles impact your ability to balance?
Part of why we moved to LA was because it felt easier at the time than living in Manhattan. Although my mother raised me in New York City and did a great job, for me, it's much easier to have a car so I can throw tons of stuff in it, great weather so we aren't constantly bundling the kids up, and a backyard where my kids can play. Also, I can do most of my television appearances and big meetings here. Plus because I do travel, it is usually a safer bet that flights won't be delayed for weather reasons versus New York. I think one key to any city for a working mom- if she can - is to live close to her office. Not having a long commute really helps my life. Having said that, LA is probably a lot more expensive than most cities, has more traffic, and is extremely competitive, but I do love it!

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