" Look, if you ask a child, ‘Would you rather have a fulfilled mother or a stay-at-home Sylvia Plath,’ they’ll pick Sylvia Plath every time. But I think it’s really important that children don’t feel their parents’ emotional lives depend on their success. "
- Ayelet Waldman

When Ayelet Waldman speaks about a child choosing a stay-at-home parent over a fulfilled working mother, she touches on the idea that children might prioritize emotional stability and presence over career achievements. This choice reflects a preference for a nurturing environment where they feel secure and loved.

Waldman’s statement goes beyond just addressing parental roles; it highlights the broader societal expectation placed on parents, particularly mothers, to balance their professional aspirations with their role as caregivers. She emphasizes that children should not carry the burden of feeling responsible for their parent's happiness or sense of fulfillment. This insight suggests a need for a more nuanced discussion about what constitutes success and well-being in parenting, moving away from the binary choice between career advancement and full-time caregiving.

Ayelet Waldman is an accomplished American author and lawyer known for her candid reflections on motherhood, parenthood, and societal expectations. Her work often explores complex themes with honesty and depth, resonating widely due to her relatable and thought-provoking insights.