Why Do We Reward Output, Rather Than Upbringing?

We don’t need to look far to see the message society sends: the value of a job is measured in salary, status and “productivity.” Yet the most profound of all role of— nurturing little lives, guiding curious minds, offering comfort in tears — rarely appears on anyone’s CV. In fact, its valued amongst the lowest paid work in society - childcare.

When did we learn that our worth hinges on output rather than the quiet, daily work of motherhood? Why do we feel we have to outsource caring for our children, even when our hearts tug us to stay present? And what happens to the part of us that longs if we believe raising our kids matters more than profit margins?

What if we recognised the courage it takes to choose presence over promotion? Maybe it’s time we stop seeking validation in external achievements — and start recognising that caring for our kids, in all its messy, miraculous complexity, is what really matters.