Top 10 inspirational mums

10 inspiring celebrity supermums

Motherhood is the most challenging role many of us will ever take on, yet these supermums have risen to the challenge while managing to continue to achieve their goals and make a difference to others. Here are our top 10 inspirational celebrity mums.

Jennifer Lopez

Superstar J-Lo has not let giving birth to her twins, Max and Emme, slow her down. Although she is adamant that her children will always come first, the 42 year old mum’s career has continued to go from strength to strength, with her releasing her seventh studio album, gaining a regular judging role on American Idol and appearing in the romantic comedy The Back-up Plan all since giving birth. The super-fit star also impressively managed to complete a triathlon to raise money for Children's Hospital Los Angeles just seven months after giving birth.

Michelle Obama

First Lady Michelle Obama may have a lot of strings to her bow, but the dedicated mum puts her role as a parent above all others, describing herself first and foremost as Malia and Sasha’s mother. However, Michelle is not only dedicated to her own girls, she has also devoted much of her time to helping the youth of America, launching a nationwide campaign to fight childhood obesity through healthy eating and healthy living.

Jennifer Garner

Jennifer Garner is frequently being snapped out and about with husband Ben Affleck and daughters Violet and Seraphina and, more recently, her burgeoning baby bump, running errands, hanging out at farmer’s markets and enjoying family days out. Yet, as well as being a devoted mother and wife, Jennifer seems to have mastered the work/family balance perfectly and has managed to continue in her flourishing acting career, starring in roles in many hit movies including Juno and Valentine’s Day as well as making her Broadway debut as Roxanne in Cyrano de Bergerac.

Reece Witherspoon

Reece Witherspoon may be a busy actress, mum of two and owner of her own production company, but the working mum also finds time to help others. As a woman and a mother, the Hollywood star admits to seeking out opportunities to make a difference to other women and children throughout the world, and she has put this in to practice through her long-term support of Save the Children and by serving on the board of the Children's Defense Fund. Reece is also a global ambassador for Avon, helping to support their campaign against domestic violence and breast cancer.

Kate Hudson

While most Hollywood actresses can afford to buy their kids anything they want, down-to-earth Kate Hudson has described herself as a strict mum who refuses to spoil her children. Claiming to have had a strict upbringing herself, the actress has stated that she will raise her children in a similar way and not give them everything they ask for. Kate, who spent several years as a single mum following her split from Chris Robinson, has admitted that life as a single mum can be challenging, yet she hasn’t let that deter her from following her chosen career path while still putting her children’s needs first.

Kate Winslet

She may be an Oscar-winning actress starring in critically-acclaimed movies, yet Kate still manages to find plenty of time to spend with her two children, who she states are the most important thing in her world.  Furthermore, Kate – who claims to be completely comfortable with her body and who has publicly spoken out against airbrushing and women’s obsession with skinniness – has some positive values to pass on to her children. The actress says that she has started subtly praising her body to her daughter Mia in a bid to help her daughter love her own body as she grows older.

Victoria Beckham

Mum of four Victoria Beckham is rarely pictured without at least one of her brood in tow and, despite claiming to be exhausted by juggling motherhood with her fashion career, Victoria is dedicated to her parenting role, telling The Mirror, “I'm up with the baby as all mums are, and I wouldn't have it any other way. There's not a team of people doing it for me." Since having children the working mum has impressively released a solo album, written two books and launched her own clothing lines – all while wearing seven inch heels!

J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling may be hugely successful today, but less than twenty years ago things were entirely different. In 1993, having separated from her husband, been diagnosed with clinical depression, contemplated suicide and having found herself jobless with a dependent child, Rowling saw herself as a failure. However, the writer found a determination to succeed – to create a better life for herself and her daughter – which spurred her on to finishing her first novel. Since then, her books have gone on to win multiple awards and been the basis for a series of hit movies.

Salma Hayek

Although Salma Hayek has continued to take on film roles following the birth of her daughter Valentina in 2007, she is very clear where her priorities lie, claiming that she was born to be a mother and wife and would be happy if she were to never work again. However, the inspirational mum of one has not rested on her laurels since becoming a mother, but has balanced parenthood with her work to help mothers in developing nations, having become a global spokesperson for Pampers and UNICEF’s campaign to help stop the spread of maternal and neonatal tetanus.

Heidi Klum

Recently single Heidi Klum seems to effortlessly manage to balance her career as a supermodel and businesswoman alongside her role as a mother. A hands-on mum, Heidi is frequently photographed out and about with her four children, whether on family days out or picking them up from various classes and school. The model also sets aside time to help others by visiting patients at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and helping to support their fundraising efforts.