Madonna: I Need To Be A "Tougher" Single Mom On Lourdes

Madonna may have the music industry and an adoring public wrapped around her litle finger, but when it comes to raising a family, the single mom confesses that it's not always so easy.

In an exclusive interview with Harry Smith on the Today Show, the reigning queen of pop opened up about her home life and struggles as a single mother in the spotlight. 

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Recently, photos of her 15-year-old daughter Lourdes Leon smoking a cigarette were leaked last month, raising alarm and causing speculation about Madonna's parenting habits. The photos caused a media frenzy, and some critics pointed out that Madonna herself perhaps hasn't been the best role model. In her most recent music video, "Girls Gone Wild," she has a cigarette dangling out of her mouth. Madonna's New Album Proves She Really Hates Her Ex, Guy Ritchie

Madonna insisted in the interview that she is a tough parent, and then added: "(I) wasn't very happy, but honestly, I don't think I'm as tough as I should be. I think I need to be maybe tougher. It's hard – every day is a negotiation. But cigarette smoking I'm not very fond of – for anyone."

When questioned about the cigarette featured in her own recent music video, the "Girls Gone Wild" singer shot back: "I don't smoke. That's just an accessory, Harry. There's a difference. (Lourdes) smoked that cigarette before I did that video!"

Madonna, named one of the "25 Most Powerful Women of the Past Century" by Time, spoke honestly about the challenges of balancing her high-powered, seemingly unstoppable career with an equally demanding family life. The star told Smith: "We all have our challenges. To be a single mother of four and work as much as I do... It's pretty challenging. But so far, I've survived with sanity and humor intact." Why Madonna's Marriage Failed

And also with her fashion sense intact! At least nobody can accuse Madonna of not being a cool mom. After all, how many teenage girls get to create their own edgy, punk-inspired mother-daughter clothing line to be sold at Macy's stores nationwide? 

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