From Hollywood to the tabloid headlines, we've all witnessed celebrities facing the age-old adage that having a baby ruins one's life. But what if we told you that for many famous figures, this couldn't be further from the truth? In the last couple of days, headlines are popping up about how bearing children or becoming pregnant “in your prime” will ruin your career. A couple of days ago, Halle Bailey, the actress who played Ariel in Disney’s live-action “The Little Mermaid”, was pictured out with what appeared to be a baby bump. The internet immediately took to social media to tell the star that her career would be ruined. Britney Spears recently wrote in her book, “The Woman in Me”, that she had an abortion as a teenager because her then-boyfriend, Justin Timberlake, decided that he didn’t want to be a dad so young (presumably because it would ruin his life).
Contrary to the misconception that motherhood is a burden that hinders a woman's career ambitions, the reality is that you can successfully balance a thriving professional life and the joys of raising children, proving that having it all is not a myth, but a powerful reality.
Just some examples of women who mothers and have immense success:
Beyonce, 3 kids, estimated net worth of $500 million
Rihanna, 2 kids, estimated net worth of $1.4 billion
Kim Kardashian, 4 kids, estimated net worth of $1.7 billion
Kylie Jenner, 2 kids, estimated net worth of $700 million
Jennifer Lopez, 2 kids, estimated net worth of $400 million
Madonna, 6 kids, estimated net worth of $850 million
Blake Lively, 4 kids, estimated net worth of $30 million
Gywneth Paltrow, 2 kids, estimated net worth of $200 million
Victoria Beckham, 4 kids, estimated net worth of $450 million
Tyra Banks, 1 kid, estimated net worth of $90 million
Mindy Kaling, 2 kids, estimated net worth of $35 million
Angelina Jolie, 6 kids, estimated net worth of $120 million
Reese Witherspoon, 3 kids, estimated net worth of $440 million
Drew Barrymore, 2 kids, estimated net worth of $125 million
Kelly Clarkson, 2 kids, estimated net worth of $45 million
Pink, 2 kids, estimated net worth of $200 million Adele, 1 kid, estimated net worth of $220 million
The list can go on and on but I will leave it be for now. The idea that women can’t be successful because they have children is beyond the scope of comprehension. It seems that everyone wants to shout “feminism” from the rooftops but don't want women to actually live up feminist ideals of working hard and choosing to have children. Working moms across the globe seem to be coping just fine with following their ambitions while also being a present mother. The thought that young women are reading these comments that equate having a baby to having your life ruined is naturally going to have damaging effects. Looking at babies as burdens not only devalues what it means to have the God-given gift of bearing children but it teaches today's youth that you can say that a human life is worthless in comparison to your dreams.
Every woman listed above seems to have defied those odds and thrive with their families and their careers. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that being a mother and a career-driven woman can go hand in hand. As we celebrate the triumphs of these celebrity mothers and the countless everyday heroes who juggle thriving careers with the joys of motherhood, it becomes clear that the age-old notion that a baby ruins one's life couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, it's an opportunity for growth, resilience, and the discovery of newfound strengths. Women are capable of achieving remarkable success while embracing the roles of mothers. Let's continue to challenge stereotypes, encourage flexibility in the workplace, and support one another on this incredible journey. It's not about choosing between success and motherhood; it's about redefining both and embracing the limitless possibilities that lie ahead.
