Sarah Jessica Parker

Sarah Jessica Parker

Sarah Jessica Parker appreciates her own mother more since having children.

The former 'Sex and the City' star, who has three children, James, 11, and 4 year old twin daughters Marion and Tabitha, with her husband Matthew Broderick, credits her mother Barbra Forste for helping her stay grounded and keep her priorities in check.

Sarah told People magazine: "We didn't have a lot growing up, but I saw my mother, who was a mother of eight, constantly volunteering her time and energy. Now as a mother of only three, I'm that much more cognisant of the kind of effort she made to help make us better human beings. To just watch her was inspiring."

Despite her busy schedule, the 49 year old actress tries to give back and works with the Turnaround: Arts to help bring art programs to struggling schools in the US.

She said: "I've seen so much energy and engagement. The students look forward to that part of their day, and it's an even more joyful place to arrive every morning. It's changing the way these children experience school and making a difference in their lives."