Child Quote by Daniel Gottlieb
““We parents are in the process of losing parts of ourselves, of waking up each morning to find ourselves changed by our children. We may fantasize that we are not really changed, that we can go back to poring over Wittgenstein, immersing ourselves in the latest movies, being beach bums- whatever it was that we were before the child or children came into our lives. But part of what we have lost is the part of our identity that is the person-without-children. The parent we are now has a life inextricably entwined not only without our past life and our private selves but also with the lives of our children.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Parenting Reflections, 2020
Parenthood reshapes identity, merging past self with the lives of children, altering daily consciousness.
In simple terms: Children change who we are.
Key Takeaway
Embrace the new blended identity.
Themes
identity
parenthood
change
Mood
reflective
nostalgic
Type
personal
philosophical
When to use this quote
- family gatherings
- career planning
- personal growth
- relationship counseling
Key Concepts
self-concept
role integration
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How has your sense of self shifted since becoming a parent?
- What parts of your former identity can you honor now?
A Different Perspective
Loss of pre‑parent self can cause grief and nostalgia.
