Parent Guilt...

Can we talk about parent guilt? The heart-wrenching, soul crushing, leave you feeling paralyzed when you miss out on a moment parent guilt... 

Recently, amidst the whirlwind of onboarding at a new job, speaking engagements, and everyday struggles, I missed out on a precious moment with my twins: they counted to ten, unprompted, by themselves. With twins such milestones can be delayed, or skipped completely, so when they happen you’re told to cherish them even more! The guilt of missing it hit me like a tidal wave, and I instantly questioned my ability to balance career and parenthood. In that moment, I reached out to a friend and I cried to her over FaceTime. I told her of how I felt like a failure as a parent. She laughed and said I was being too hard on myself. She told me, “parents aren’t superheroes; you’re human and can’t be everywhere at once.” She also reminded me that my twins wouldn’t remember that I wasn’t there for that moment but they would remember how I celebrated it once I was with them. Thankfully, my stay-at-home co-parent captured the moment on video and I was able to experience for myself.

In a world that often places traditional expectations on gender roles, I’m proud to say that our partnership defies stereotypes. We’re a team, and together, we create a nurturing and loving environment for our boys to thrive. So while I was in my feelings about missing the moment, he was happy to have been there to witness firsthand.  I know this won’t be my only experience of parent guilt. Balancing career and parenting can be a delicate dance between nurturing my family, pursuing my career, and embracing my identity. As a working parent, each day brings a new set of demands and opportunities. The struggle for balance isn't unique to me but it’s been my own journey filled with sacrifices and rewards; a journey that has strengthened my resilience and determination.