(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Michelle Williams' daughter understands that her mom needs career "challenges".

The 30-year-old US movie star is mother to five-year-old Matilda, her daughter with late actor Heath Ledger.

Michelle has opened up in the past about the pressures of being a single mom, although has developed a helpful analogy to assist Matilda in understanding her desire to combine motherhood with a career.

"There are times when my work has priority and there are times where my daughter is central. Of course those are longer and more important. But it's not easy for both of us to live with this imbalance," she told the German edition of Glamour.

"Matilda has her problems when I'm leaving the house in the morning. I explain to her: Do you know when you're in school and learn something really difficult? You have to really go for it and work hard, then you get better and feel great. That's because I need my job and the challenges, exactly like you do.'"

Michelle enjoys bonding with fellow single mothers, sharing advice and experiences. She always tries to fit filming schedules around her daughter's education, as she likes to take the little girl on movie sets.

"Of course it is a fight. If I meet moms who are in a similar situation I ask them the same [how to reconcile shootings and being a mom].

"For me it's important that Matilda feels in good hands and safe. If I shoot, she is always with me. My goal is just to shoot during summer holidays. Better a sprint than a marathon. Then I can be with her during the academic year," she mused. (C) Cover Media