Parent First, Dream Later: The Reality Behind ‘Having it All’
The Internet screams that you can have the best of both worlds – being a devoted parent and an ambitious achiever all at once.
However, a new study by the book summary app Headway shows nearly half of parents spend less than two hours a week on personal development, and some feel that having children has negatively impacted their career prospects. The ideal of “having it all” often comes at the cost of selfhood.
Perhaps learning to embrace the imbalance is becoming a new norm.
When “me time” doesn’t make the cut
The more children in the house, the less room there is for personal maneuver. Nearly half of parents spend just two hours or less each week on personal growth, while 12% admit there’s no time at all in their busy schedules.
Some parents with three or more children dedicate no time to personal growth, compared to those with one kid. Yet, when the kids fall asleep, it’s high time you seize the opportunity for personal development. Maybe you grab a book or just sit in silence.
The hidden career cost of parenting
Juggling work and family often means turning down opportunities. Some parents even feel that it has destroyed their career prospects completely. Interestingly, six in ten parents feel their ambition hasn’t dimmed, and in some cases, even thrived.
How do kids impact our social battery
As parental responsibilities grow, opportunities to explore the world take a back seat. When socializing becomes an afterthought with every sixth parent cutting it from their schedules, to a greater or lesser extent, every parent feels that relationships with partners and friends are also undergoing certain changes.
The regret nobody talks about
The picture-perfect parental life on social media makes you wonder ‘Is that all real?’ Nearly half of parents are skeptical of others who claim to ‘have it all,’ and more than a third report feeling jealous, depressed, or guilty. You inevitably start thinking that you should have waited longer before starting a family, achieving certain goals, and fulfilling your ambitions.
Parenthood comes across like the most rewarding journey you can take, however it reshapes your identity, time, and priorities
Growth may look different during this season of life, but it doesn’t disappear; it transforms. Parents learn to navigate ‘me’ time moments smartly, as an opportunity to recharge and invest in themselves.
Even a 15-minute break makes a difference in the long run. Taking a moment to reflect on what you’ve learned and what’s still to come helps to clear your mind and keep you moving forward.
Written by Thalia-Maria Tourikis, certified health coach and burnout prevention expert at Headway app