Yes, it's possible to have a kid and a life.

A life beyond babies, boys, and ballgames. A life that includes your hopes, dreams, and passions.

It's normal (and healthy) for your career, marriage, and friendships to shift and evolve when you become a parent. But you don't have to give your all to parenting. It's okay (and healthy!) to reserve some time and energy for yourself.

"As my son got older, all of my activities centered around what he did," says Ericka Souter, a journalist and author of How to Have a Kid and a Life: A Survival Guide. "I realized that I was drowning in kid activities and I was unhappy about that. I felt like I needed to do something for myself."

That urge led her to interview other moms and begin writing her book. Reporting, researching, traveling and talking to others helped Erika feel whole again.

Of course, it's not easy to make time for yourself amidst the demands of family life. So, you'll have to let go of things that don't serve you.

"You have to give yourself permission to let go of people and activities that don't make you feel good," Ericka says.

In this episode, Jen, Janet & Ericka discuss:

The "mom gene"

Making time for personal passions

How to make mom friends

Advocating for yourself

Why taking time for yourself is good for your kids

Taking back ownership of your body

Prioritizing time with your partner

Links we mentioned (or should have) in this episode:

How to Have a Kid and a Life: A Survival Guide -- Ericka's book

erikasouter.com -- Ericka's website

Discovery of the "Mom Gene" May Explain Why Some of Us Don't Crave Having Kids -- article by Ericka (mentioned at 6:45)

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