Reese Witherspoon's mother battle

Jan 14, 2008, 13:30 GMT

Reese Witherspoon - © Lee Roth / RothStock / PR Photos

Reese Witherspoon says being a single working mother is a constant battle.

The 31-year-old actress, who has two children with ex-husband Ryan Phillippe, struggles to balance her busy acting schedule and parental responsibilities.

Reese said: "Like every working parent, I sometimes feel that there are not enough hours in the day. But overall, I'm very fortunate that my job has a lot of flexibility. I spend a lot of time with the kids, just around the house. They're still pretty young, so I feel like what I can mostly do is listen to them and be there for them."

The Oscar-winning actress, who previously revealed her children once vomited on her designer shoes before an awards show, also admits she constantly worries about eight-year-old Ava and four-year-old Deacon.

Reese added in an interview with Marie Claire magazine: "I worry about my kids growing up and how the world might hurt them. But at the same time, I absolutely do not worry about them growing up - because they have great values and a great sense of self."

The 'Walk The Line' star hopes she can be as inspirational to her children as her parents were when she was growing up and dreaming of becoming an actress.

Reese explained: "I had parents who believed I could do anything - and I know how that made me feel. I think both my parents, having careers in the medical profession, feel they are helping people on a daily basis, and that was instilled in me as a value. I had to struggle with giving up the idea of becoming a doctor myself."

(C) BANG Media International