[cjrogers]

Great question.

I think that if she has trusted help and family members who can support her, then go for it. I don't know anything about her husband, but perhaps he is going to pick up the slack and/or be the primary parent while she chases her dreams. And I think that is OK. She likely can afford help, tutors, etc.

I think it's fine if her "balance" is unlike many others' "balance".

I can tell you firsthand - my mom never chased her dreams, she had children and gave it all up. She loved us, but don't think for a minute that we couldn't see that she did not have a "full" life. This was a woman who gave up her dream of being a veterinarian because someone else told her that she had to be 100% mom. Now she has a son that hasn't spoken to her in 7 years. Give me a break.

Children grow up and leave the house. Then what? I feel the best parents are those who keep a balance between their focus and their children's.

Right now I work a demanding job and my DH is really the "primary" parent. He does alot more "mommy" work than I have ever and probably will ever do. He's turning out fine, probably better than if it were the other way around.