Seeing two of my daughters who are also mothers pursue their career and creative goals while simultaneously being nearly full-time parents reminds me of how complex life can be. Children are apt to thrive when their needs are met, like routine, consistency, sleep, love, fun, presence, being heard and seen, freedom, limits, and good nutrition. All of this takes thought, time, and care from the adults in their lives. And all of this should, in my opinion, be highly valued and respected. If raising the next generation of humans to be well-adjusted and whole isn’t worthwhile, then nothing is.

The same adults, like my daughters, also have needs and dreams outside of parenting, and so they put it all together for the greatest fulfillment, and it can sometimes be downright overwhelming. What parent doesn’t long for simplicity and satisfaction? Peace and passions. Yet how do you have it all when all is sometimes so much?