5 -: Ben Affleck & Jennifer Garner, Mila Kunis & Ashton Kutcher



When it comes to parenting, no one really has it figured out. One day you feel like the best parent, while other days are just downright bang-my-head-on-the-wall frustrated. And that's the crazy and unbelievable part. We can RELATE to each other. It's like an unsaid, I-know-what-you-mean pact, signed the minute someone becomes a parent.


So are celebrities any different? Not at all! Celebrity moms experience the same deathly labour pains, they juggle the pros and cons of breastfeeding, potty training, school woes or stay at home mom vs. working mom dilemmas. Celebrity dads don't have it any different either. They will always struggle with the role model stamp, how much to get involved or with simply being inexperienced. Their lists are as endless as ours'.


Parents should not be judged, celebrities or not. At the end of the day, we are in it together. Once in a while, it wouldn't hurt to appreciate the famous parents who actually make a sincere effort.


Here are some celebrity parents who are nailing the overwhelming and rewarding puzzle we call Parenting.


1. Ben Affleck & Jennifer Garner






The best thing parents can do for their children is to love each other first, to bits. And that's the kind of relationship this steady couple of almost ten years have done. They admit to the craziness of being leading Hollywood actors and an ever-changing married life. But they know what is required for a steady, healthy and love-filled life for their kids. While Jennifer is the responsible parent, Ben, is the proverbial 'fun' dad. Sounds like the perfect combination!


2. Mika Kunis & Ashton Kutcher 






This heartthrob couple is all set to rock the new-parents scene. Ashton is the ecstatic dad who believes in making better children for the world. Mila wants to raise "well-behaved, honest and good kids." For them focus on character and personality of children is a huge priority. This hands-on couple wants to handle the nitty-gritty of parenting, even if it means not having a clue as to why the baby's crying. Mila, (the most amazing mom, in Ashton's own words) has taken an extra step. Through her 'motherhood ring' charity project, she plans on helping women in Zambia. They have a lot of heart, is all I can say. Kudos!





4 -: Eva Mendes & Ryan Gosling, Sandra Bullock, Drew Barrymore 


3. Eva Mendes & Ryan Gosling 






Eva and Ryan, are not just stunners, they are also parents. And apparently good ones at that. Eva comes from a close-knit and large family in which she finds a huge support group. Eva is also a pro-active mom who wants to figure out the initial craziness by herself. So a nanny is a no-no for now. Eva and Ryan Gosling spent Christmas together with both their sides of the family. Looks like the start of a happy family life.


4. Sandra Bullock 






Who doesn't love Sandra Bullock? On screen she is mind blowing, but off-screen she is an even more heart-warming inspiration. The 50-year old is grateful for her four year old adopted son, Louis. She believes in the little things of being a mom, like waking up in the morning with Louis and having a heart-to-heart. She is already a remarkable actor and businesswoman; there is no doubt that she will be an exemplary mom for her son and to-be-adopted baby girl.


5. Drew Barrymore 






Drew Barrymore is superwoman! Is there anything she can't do? She acts, directs, produces and writes and also happens to sport the most amazing title in the world - MOM. Drew plans to give her child the childhood they truly deserve, one quite unlike her own. One can only imagine her sweet contagious smile when she looks at her little one, wishing and working towards the best life for her daughter.







3 -: Jessica Alba, Nick & Vanessa Lachey, Katie Holmes, Nicole Riche & Joel Madden


6. Jessica Alba






The pragmatic and creative Jessica Alba knows what she wants out of life and how to get it. Knowing the importance of a healthy life for her daughters and people at large, Jessica created her own company called “The Honest Company”. She goes all out on promoting eco-friendly and non-toxic products for the family and in finding balanced and healthy alternatives as a parent. Spending quality time with her daughters, having a date night with her husband, or helping humanity, she always finds an honest way.


7. Nick & Vanessa Lachey 






Nick is the doting and spirited father who feels that becoming a dad was the best thing he has ever done. He's not one to miss out on his son's little and big milestones; from teething to gurgling up a new word, he is there with his beaming, proud-dad smile. Vanessa is the practical and loving mom, pregnant again with a baby girl. She is up front in her love for her children. Yet she makes it a point not to feel judged or inadequate because of what she does or does not do as a mom. After all, a mom knows best, right?


8. Katie Holmes 






Her words are golden and leave a lasting impact on many moms. "You do the best you can." Matter-of-fact Kate has learned to loosen up as a mom. After her daughter Suri's birth, Kate couldn't bring herself to take on major acting gigs. Mostly because she was too nervous and anxious to leave Suri alone. Over the years, Kate learned to cut herself some slack. After becoming a single mom in 2012, she leaned on her family, friends and other moms for support. A little help hurt no one right?


9. Nicole Richie & Joel Madden 






This steady couple's parenting wisdom makes a lot of sense. They want a different life for their children. One that doesn't involve broken relationships, something both experienced in their childhoods. The 33 year old mom, Nicole, comes from a place of love, compassion and honesty. She understands the importance of speaking the truth to her kids, always. She knows she isn't perfect, and that's why she loves finding new and improved ways of raising her kids. Her positivity and dedication make her a sure shot winner!



2 -: Sarah Jessica & Matthew Broderick, Michelle Williams, Christina Aguilera 


10. Sarah Jessica Parker & Matthew Broderick






Pulling off a seventeen year old marriage and three amazing children is no easy task. But these two have done it, all smiley and lovey-dovey along the way. They believe in family participation with a do-it-yourself attitude, discussions and plain old loving each other. As a couple, the two are very private and that's their biggest secret to a stronger marriage. These two make you feel all warm inside don't they?


11. Michelle Williams 






Michelle describes motherhood as an overwhelming Olympian task where you are always running after time. Now that is an apt description bound to get many 'aye's!' After the love of her life Heath Ledger passed away, she stepped in as the mom her daughter deserved. Michelle confesses she might never find the perfect balance in life but as long as she finds comfort in the 'little moments', she should be all right. Fair enough!


12. Christina Aguilera 






There aren't many things that give true meaning to a mother's life - even if you’re a mom with bucket loads­­ of money and fame. Christina happens to be one of those people. Despite her huge success in the music industry, her biggest source of pride is her son and newly born daughter. As a celebrity with a tormented childhood, this fearless mom will go to any length to provide a safe and loving environment for her children. To begin with, she even has a home studio so she can spend more time with the kids.


1 -: Heidi Klum, Tori Spelling & Dean McDermott


13. Heidi Klum






We all say that family comes first, but with working parents, especially moms, it's always a hard bargain. Supermodel and business woman Heidi Klum knows she might miss out on the little things, but priorities are as clear as day. She wants to raise considerate, good human beings. The time that they do spend together, Heidi makes sure to involve her four children in normal family activities; from household chores, to eating healthy and going all out on fun activities over the weekend. Who says celebrities can't have normal family lives?


14. Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott 






Now these parents are not afraid to share their private lives with everyone. They showed a raw and honest side of their relationship on the reality show, “True Tori”. Marital problems or not, Tori continues to glue her family together. Christmas and other important holidays are times when this family works on filling up the cracks. People will judge them for all that they are, but no one can point fingers at their commitment as parents.


*By: Nida Shahzeb