Reese Witherspoon worries about the "legacy" she will leave her children.

The Oscar-winning actress has two children with her ex-husband Ryan Phillippe 12-year-old daughter Ava and son Deacon, eight.

Despite her impressive track record in Hollywood, Reese admits she became anxious as her 35th birthday approached in March last year. She wanted her kids to be proud of her and began to re-evaluate the choices she had made.

"It was less, How do I look?' and more What do I want to accomplish in life?' Is this the career I love?' Is this the legacy I want to leave for my kids?'" Reese told the March edition of Glamour magazine.

Reese soon felt calmer once the landmark birthday has passed. She is now enjoying ageing gracefully.

"Once I turned 35, I felt so much better but the anticipation leading up to it was miserable!" Reese laughed.

The star was raised in a close-knit family in Nashville, Tennessee. Reese's parents taught her to always put loved ones first, and she has carried that belief with her ever since.

"Nothing's more important than family," she explained. "I definitely love my career, but I just love being a mom - that's how I was raised."