Patty Sullivan is a busy mom, host of Kids’ CBC and actress.  She is one of the most recognized and popular faces on Canadian children’s programming.

Married to Michael Kinney, a digital content producer and also an actor (portrays Coach Armstrong on Degrassi), the couple have a daughter who just started junior kindergarten.

This is an exciting time for Patty!  She is nominated for two Gemini awards, for Best Host in a Pre-School, Children’s or Youth Program or Series and for best pre-school program or series for Kids’ Canada on CBC.

She is also rehearsing for an upcoming stage show where she’ll play the role of Lily St. Regis in “Annie” this November in east Toronto.

Finally, the best part of all, Patty has even bigger news… she’s expecting!

She and her husband are excited of course.  Physically, she feels the same… tired, hungry all the time but luckily no morning sickness.  “Emotionally?  I’m a lot calmer.  I’m not nervous or worried, wondering what’s going to happen.  And I’m not frantically reading books trying to learn everything before the baby comes!  It’s a much more relaxed pregnancy, for sure.”

Their daughter will have to adjust to having a new baby in the house, as well as Patty and her husband!  “ At first, It might be difficult for our daughter to get used to not having all of our attention all the time, but we also think she will be very “proud” to be the “big sister” who can help her Mommy and Daddy with the baby, and will embrace the idea of teaching the baby everything she knows.”

Patty and Michael love seeing their daughter’s confidence grow every day.  “It tells me that we’re providing her with a safe, supportive and loving environment.”

Patty and her husband have a positive approach when it coming to parenting. “For me, it’s important to encourage my child to be kind, work hard, and be the best that SHE can be.  My parenting style also focuses on providing constructive correction, rather than just negativity. And keeping it fun too!”

What words of wisdom does Patty give to a first-time mom?  “Don’t be afraid to ask for help, we all need it from time to time.  And listen graciously to any advice that people pass on to you, but always do what you feel is best.  Every child is different, and parenting styles are different, so no piece of advice will work for everyone.”

We often wonder how busy moms handle or achieve the perfect work/life balance. For Patty, she thinks moms especially feel guilty often.  “We feel we’re either not doing enough work, or we’re not spending enough time with family.  The challenge is always making sure you give yourself a little time too, because we are of no use to anyone else if we’re not taking care of ourselves.”

“What helps however, is having a great support system, and I’m lucky to have a husband who is a very hands on father.”