WNBA superstar Candace Parker,23, is getting a taste of what it is to be a working mom. In a new interview with Working Mother, Candace tells us how she juggles being a basketball star and a mom to two-month old Lailaa Nicole Williams.
Q:
What kinds of sacrifices do you anticipate having to make (or have made) in your career in order to be there for your child? What do you think you’ll have to sacrifice for the sake of your career?
A:
First and foremost, my family has always and will always come first. I have always sacrificed whatever for my family and it will be no different for my daughter. I anticipate that like any parent my biggest sacrifice will be sleep, but that is a small price to pay for the blessings she gives me every day. I plan on her being with me throughout my career, sharing in my daily triumphs and struggles. I am fortunate to be involved in a career that allows me to bring my child along a lot and basketball is not a career where my schedule is set in stone from 9 until 5. My career does require me to travel a lot, so as a result, my daughter will be in a lot of airports and miss a great deal of naps.
Q: How do you make the most out of the time you do have with your child?
A: I enjoy every moment because she is changing so fast each and every day. She is definitely spoiled, nearly always being held. My child makes me smile even at 3 a.m. when I am delirious from lack of sleep. As she grows older I look forward to more things we will be able to do together.
Q: How have you learned to change the way you meet your needs so that you can juggle your career and your child? Do you get enough you time? Or, alternatively, since you are such a new mom, how do you anticipate having to change your life to make room for time with your child?
A: The toughest thing was to leave her for the first time. I get enough “me” time when she is napping or when my husband watches her. My life will definitely have to change a great deal, but I look at it as a complete blessing. I have a great deal of support from my husband and my family that will enable me to balance my career and my child. Honestly, I love being a mom; I rush home from working out to see my baby because I miss her when I am away.
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