Use your talent and pursue a career, or devote yourself to your family? Well-known Lithuanian people become an example of how to balance personal and career challenges, although they admit that it is not easy.
Men have more responsibilities in the family
Singer Jurgis Didižulis, who is raising three children with his beloved singer Erica Jennings, says that the question of combining family and work is as natural for men as it is for women.
"Ten years ago, the historical circumstances and roles in the family were completely different, but now we can observe positive changes. Not only women, but also men work and raise children at the same time. The most important thing is to learn to balance these things, to stick to the established agenda, and to share child care with the other half," says Jurgis, who recently gave birth to a daughter, Gaia Maria.
Merūnas Vitulskis, an opera soloist and father of two sons - Ajaus and Herkaus - has to balance between taking care of his family and the heights of his career. The tenor often has to perform abroad, leaving to say goodbye to his wife Erika and children, but when he has the opportunity, Merūnas takes them on trips as well.
"I am often asked how I manage to pursue a career and nurture a family life. In order for children to grow up to be virtuous people, it is necessary to invest in it and work hard. Everything in this life has a price. The cost of my career is not seeing my children. Knowing this, I try to spend as much time as possible with them when I'm in Lithuania: take a walk in the park, teach them new things or just have a good laugh," says M. Vitulskis.
Family helps, not hinders, your career
The interlocutors claim that, in pursuit of a career and having a family, it is very important to set priorities and constantly talk and try to understand, help and support each other. And children also help to reach career heights.
Opera soloist M. Vitulskis reveals that the secret of his happy family is constant talking, which helps to solve any problems.
"Our family, like all: happy, afraid, angry, crying, sad, especially when we have to part. But the most important thing is to talk, pay attention to every detail, hug, kiss. We never stop talking. Children gave us fulfillment", says M. Vitulskis.
J. Didiulis is convinced that in order to enjoy achievements not only in the professional field, but also in personal life, it is necessary to have a fixed schedule and stick to it, but the most important thing is to feel happy, because only then will the whole family be happy.
"Sometimes people work 12 hours a day without sparing themselves. We are running a marathon in life, but we have to think about the future. After all, being tired, not sleeping, not living a social life, not communicating with friends, we won't be happy and healthy, and then our family won't feel happy either. After all, the family provides the most happiness and joy and helps to achieve career heights," J. Didižulis is convinced.
Each family's path is individual
Austėja Landsbergienė, a well-known educationalist, doctor of social sciences and mother of four children, says that every family must choose the path that is most suitable for them. However, both parents are important in this journey.
"The strangest thing to me is why women admire men who are able to raise their children and take care of their homes so much?!" First of all, it is their home and their children - no one ceases to be amazed and charmed that women do this. Secondly, after all, those men do not appear from nowhere, they are raised by mothers-women. So as long as the women themselves think that the man who raises his children is fantastic, and the woman is normal, there will be no balance," says the educationalist.
According to her, no matter what difficulties befall the family, it is necessary to remember that it is not for nothing that it is said that we carry what we can carry at each stage.
"I'm personally glad that we had children early: I recently turned 40, and my son is about to turn 17. The other children are 14, 11 and 9, so even the youngest is already a grown-up and quite independent girl who can perfectly stay at home alone if necessary. I am happy that we can all travel together, go to the theater, watch movies and discuss the books we are reading," A. Landsbergienė asserts.
According to her, many families go the other way and feel happy.
"On the other hand, many of my friends who are having children now or have had them recently are very happy with more mature motherhood. This only confirms once again that there is no single right path - each of us chooses it for ourselves," says the educationist.
Even more tips and inspiring examples
Lithuanian Exhibition and Congress CenterLitexpoThe only specialized exhibition "Children's Country" will be held on November 24-26. Here, future parents and families raising children will be able not only to have a fun and fulfilling free time with their little ones, but also to replenish their specialized knowledge and learn more about the upbringing, care and education of preschool children.
It's colorful and lively event about the most important values in life - family, children, love and communication. Here, parents will not only be able to participate in events, watch "Kino pavasarios" family films, get acquainted with the latest toys or games, but also consult with specialists and get inspiration.
For the second time, the lecture series "Happy Family Academy" will be held at the exhibition, which will talk about family relationships, harmonious development of children and the importance of physical activity and sports.
