MS, Mom-Life, and Moving to Texas with Jamie-Lynn Sigler

You probably know Jamie-Lynn Sigler from her role as Meadow Soprano on HBO’s The Sopranos. At 38, her career has been vast with roles on multiple TV shows and films, co-author of an autobiography, co-host of the podcast, Mama Said, and activist for Multiple Sclerosis, something she’s battled for over 15 years. A wife and mother of two, who is currently moving the family to Texas, we caught up with the multi-hyphenated mom to ask her to share some of her insights on motherhood...

What is the self-care practice you do to maintain balance?

Meditating. 2020 is what finally pushed me into the practice full throttle. If I didn’t have that during this past year, I don’t know if I would have been able to handle it all.

What is the one lesson you’ve learned that you’ll pass along to your kids?

That it is okay to make mistakes. Actually, that is awesome to make mistakes. I grew up trying to be perfect at everything and fearing failure, and it only hurt me in the end. Now, I try to show my kids the fun in messing up and how we can grow from it all.

What excites you most about being a mother?

My kids are my greatest teachers. They are a mirror of my behaviors and beliefs, and I love them for it.

Tell us about your child’s name. Is there a special meaning behind it?

Beau was a homage to my husband’s Southern roots. We’ve always loved the name and when he was born, we took one look at him and realized there was no other name for him! When Jack was going to join the family, we knew we wanted another strong name to match Beau.

What was your pregnancy journey like? What has surprised you the most?

I am one of those people that LOVED pregnancy! I live with MS, and it went into remission during my first pregnancy. I’ve been living in a body for so long that felt like it was betraying me and falling apart, so it was amazing to see it do this miraculous thing. It completely changed my relationship to my body.

What are your three most helpful parenting resources you’ve come across and why do you love them?

@drbeckyathome is INCREDIBLE! She has this way of breaking down behaviors and issues to give the most clear and simple advice. Jill Spivack is the LA mama’s guru. She helped me sleep-train both my kids in two days! And finally, my podcast Mama Said. Speaking to and learning from other mothers has truly been priceless.

How has life changed for you since becoming a mother?

It has become richer in every way. My happy is happier, my pain is more painful, and my love is indescribable.

What are some examples of how you are different or similar to your own mother?

She did the best with what she could and I am doing the best with what I can. I definitely can feel myself instinctually going to discipline the way I was disciplined, but I also have a different perspective and make certain adjustments to how I would have preferred to have been talked to. I am constantly learning.

What is the most useful piece of advice you’ve received about motherhood? How do you incorporate it into your life?

Just be honest. Sometimes, as parents, we think we have to hold our authority and not tell our kids when we mess up... but I am big on apologizing. I apologize to my kids all the time when I think I didn’t handle things well. To see how it translates to my son who apologizes so easily now is incredibly gratifying.

Have you ever been mom-shamed?

All the time! From seatbelt placements, to what cups I am using, etc. I am a very sensitive person, but when it comes to people coming at me for how I parent, I let it roll right off. I put so much into being a mom and it’s the job I am most proud of.

Since becoming a mother, what is one product you wish existed that you haven’t been able to find?

A button that will give me extra arms! I always feel like I am trying to balance 100 things.

What is a recent parenting experience that made you laugh?

My son asked me if he could change his name to “Oliver” once we move to Texas because he thinks it’s a “cooler name."

Do you have any mom icons?

ANY mom that is living honestly! We cannot be giving false pictures of motherhood!

What are you eating these days?

I am currently moving my entire family to Austin, so anything that doesn’t involve cooking!

Share your all-time favorite recipe?

Fried Rice! I fry veggies in sesame oil, add white rice, cook them in Bragg’s amino acid, throw in scrambled eggs and voila -- the kids love it! They also love my lemon chicken (and honestly, the fact that I have something I can make that my kids request is a dream come true)!