In my daily life, I encounter moms who have just as much, if not more, going on in their lives. One of those moms I have the pleasure of working with on set at Project Runway is Heidi Klum.
Between all of the tapings, fittings and interviews, I was able to sit down with Heidi and chat about her approach to parenting and how she manages to make a family of four kids work for her.
Heidi, you are a superwoman/supermom to me. How do you do it all?
I think doing it all is a myth. I don’t go to a traditional office every day, but I do try to be at home by 5 p.m. so I can have dinner with my family and spend the rest of the day together. When I walk into my house, I leave my purse and my workday at the front door. When I’m at work, I make that time count. When I am home, I make that time count. And then, there are some days when everything doesn’t get crossed off the list. The weekends are off and they just belong to my family.
How do you share the love between all of your kids?
My kids are best friends and love to do things together. We love to play together, do crafts together and cook together. Now that they are a little older, we have started watching a few shows together, too. They’re really into America’s Got Talent and the boys love American Ninja Warrior. We all pile onto the couch together and watch. It’s become a new thing for us.
Must-have items for you and your kids?
Leni loves everything gymnastic-related. She trains on her balance beam almost every day and loves to Hula-Hoop. The boys love their bikes, basketballs, footballs and now their new pet mouse, Chuby. Lou loves it when Leni teaches her to Hula-Hoop. Her new obsessions are her first pair of white rhinestone bedazzled heels.
You travel a lot. Any tips about packing? How about packing for the whole family?
We travel with a LOT of suitcases. We have a list of essential items that have to go on every trip, so each thing gets checked off before it goes into the suitcase. That way, we at least remember the basics. With four kids, I would rather have too much than too little!
How do you keep in shape? Taking into consideration you are human, which I don't think you are …
I like to make my workouts fun. I try to always move with my kids when we’re at the park or the beach instead of sitting on the sidelines. We’re fortunate to live near a beautiful canyon in Los Angeles so, oftentimes, we’ll put a leash on the dogs and take them for a neighborhood hike, or we go on a bike ride in Santa Monica. Sports are super important. I always want to be fit and active with my children.
Are your kids learning German as well?
I’m very close with my parents, and they have been a strong influence in my children’s lives. They speak only German to Oma and Opa. We have German books that they read, too. I grew up in Germany, and it’s important to me that they learn the language and culture.
I'm obsessed with your Instagram. Any tips for taking awesome selfies?
For selfies, it’s important to always find good lighting. Good lighting can make or break a photo.
The essential piece for your kids is?
Their sleep animals that they have had since they were babies.
And for you?
For me, it’s all about having great basics: the pair of jeans you never want to take off, a great blazer and a really high pair of heels. I’m also an avid sunglasses collector. I’m embarrassed to tell you how many pairs I have, so let’s just say it’s a lot.
Can you conquer the world with flat shoes?
That is a complicated question! Could we? Maybe. But would we want to? There’s something about putting on a great pair of heels that just helps me stand a little taller and walk into a room with a bit more confidence.
Catch the 12th season of Project Runway every Thursday at 9/8 Central on Lifetime
