Mona Sutphen

I'd say we are traditionalist. We are heavy on discipline and relatively strict and structured. But we also make sure our children feel not just physically safe but emotionally safe, like they can come to us with anything.

Listening and hearing are two different things, and acting is comprehending what the person is saying, thinking how it makes you feel and responding. That's the key to really honest, truthful, compelling performance.

When you feel the need to moan and groan, laugh with woeful recognition and eat flaky pastries. If you hear yourself taking the art of complaining a little too seriously, ask yourself what you're trying to accomplish, exactly.