Is it possible to build a successful career while remaining a committed parent to your child? This is one of those crossroads that no-one prepares you for, but once you find yourself here the weight of your decision can impact your entire sense of stability...
"As soon as our son reached a particular age, we just stopped holding his hand as much and would discourage him from sitting on his mother's lap. It's funny, we never thought to do the same with our daughter..." The discussion was around the fact that many men struggle to understand their emotions, as they aren't often encouraged to explore their emotions from an early age in the same way that young girls are...
Let's talk about what life is really like as a new parent. I remember looking down at my daughter days after she was born and feeling overwhelmed with the fact that I was now responsible for this tiny little human. The first time I took her out by myself, I made sure I had absolutely everything that she might need (and then some!) but still felt anxious as I pushed her along the road while she slept soundly in her pram...
My daughter Inaya was yet to take her first steps, and instead chose to hold onto whatever piece of furniture or available hand to help keep her upright as she learned to find her balance. I wish I could say that I was patient with her progress as time passed and she seemed in no hurry to step out on her own, but as she grew towards the later stages of when babies are expected to walk, I was eager for her to reach that milestone...
I read a quote on social media this week that has stuck with me since. It simply said, "You can have it all, just not at the same time". In the caption, the creator of the post shared how she had returned home after a busy day to find a messy kitchen. She also was yet to spend time with her husband due to the demands of the day. In that moment she had two choices - either clean the kitchen or spend quality time with her husband...
