Jessica Biel on motherhood and parenting with Justin Timberlake

“Everybody naps at nap time.”

Recently actress Jessica Biel held a Reddit “Ask Me Anything,” where she entered an online chat room to mingle with fans.

Biel gained fame as a 14-year-old starring in the 1990s family drama “7th Heaven.” Since then, she’s appeared on the big screen in movies such as “The Illusionist,” “The A-Team,” and “Valentine’s Day.” While Biel fielded some pretty standard questions about her acting career and upcoming projects, she was candid, funny, and down-to-earth when it came to talking about motherhood.

Biel and her husband, the singer Justin Timberlake, have a 2-year-old son named Silas. Proving the ups and downs of parenting are universal, Biel took time to chat about family nap times, picky eaters, and how she knew she was ready for baby. 

Q: What does a typical Saturday look like for you and Justin (and the baby!)?

A: A typical Saturday… up early, breakfast at home… maybe head to a park and play. Everybody naps at nap time. Maybe a play date in the afternoon. Then mommy and daddy go out on a hot date. 🙂

Q: I’m a newlywed and I was wondering how you were sure you were ready to have a baby?

A: Honestly, I didn’t grow up dreaming about having kids and having a family. I was so focused on my career and so focused on my selfish existence, haha, but I think meeting my husband inspired me. One day I just woke up and knew it’s what I wanted to do and it’s been the hardest, greatest thing ever and I wouldn’t give it up for the world.

Q: Hello there! As a fellow mom, and the fact your are in the restaurant business… How the heck do I get my 1-year-old to eat vegetables?! Any advice?!

A: YES, hide ’em! I hide vegetables in eggs, quiche, stews, soups, smoothies…. I hide vegetables everywhere I possibly can.

Image credit: Getty Images

By Emme Lukasik

Emme Lukasik is a long-time journalist and new mom. She lives in Los Angeles with a patient husband, wild child of a daughter, and a rambunctious collie named Isla.