Eileen Carey
Written by Eileen Carey
Balancing the two worlds of my music and my family is something I used to struggle with on an almost daily basis. On one hand, I adore my role as a mother and family woman. I don’t want to be absent in my children’s lives. At all. I want to be there for birthdays, Easter, and Christmas. I want to walk them to school, go camping, and visit the park.
On the other hand, I have my role as an artist. Constantly compelled to create, perform, and satisfy certain career ambitions, I am always trying to unleash my inner songwriter and performer. Rather than lament what appears to be the ultimate parenting conflict, though, I have chosen to embrace it. In fact, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Here are three reasons why I love being a music mom.
1. Creativity is important to me, and I get to encourage it within my family.
I have always held dear the positive effects of teaching and embodying creativity for my kids. I can think of no better way to show them what it means to be creative than by actively writing, singing, and performing my own songs. It is a perfect example of practicing what I preach. Not only that, but I get to show them what it means to work with others.
Whether they end up becoming musicians, artists, graphic designers, or something else that allows them to use their creativity, I want them to always know that their creative urges ought to be embraced and acted upon as often as possible. They are, in short, a gift.
2. Having kids forces me to work as hard as I can to make my music career successful.
To be honest, having children has helped me a great deal in thinking about my music as a business. This is no longer merely a hobby, and it can’t be. I can’t go on tour and lose money on every show or pay to play. I have to sell a certain amount of merchandise and come home with a profit. The reason is that I am not doing this just for myself. That type of pressure is a good one in that it can really motivate you.
3. Following my dreams encourages my children to follow theirs.
Being a successful, self-sufficient musician has always been my dream. I think it’d be a crime to give up on that dream simply because I have kids. When we first had children, though, I must be honest: I briefly contemplated giving up music.
There’s so much social pressure to focus solely on our kids that doing something creative like being a musician is often frowned upon. Then I wondered what kind of example it would set for my kids if I gave up on my dreams so easily. I began to think of myself as a role model for them in that I have a very clear vision for my future, and I am working towards making it happen. If they end up doing the same, I will consider all of this a success.
So there you have it. This is why I have changed my outlook regarding the relationship between my career and my family. Instead of saying that I have to juggle the two things I most care for, I am proud and extremely fortunate to say that I get to juggle them.
Stay in touch through Eileen Carey’s official website and the Music Mom blog, which discusses music, motherhood, and life.
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