Watch: ‘Parenting Is A Privilege’ – Matthew Bartolo Reflects On Love, Family And Why Prioritising Parenthood Matters After Latest Għaliex Episode
Mental health and relationship expert Matthew Bartolo recently shared a perspective that hits close to home for many – the profound privilege and responsibility of parenting. In a heartfelt video, Bartolo explored what it truly means to be a parent and how crucial it is to be present in a child’s life, especially during their formative years.
Bartolo shared the stories of Luke and Ashley, two fathers who made significant changes to prioritise their children over career growth. Despite thriving career opportunities—Luke in hospitality and Ashley as a social worker—both men chose to reduce their work hours or even pause their professional journeys to spend meaningful time with their families. For these fathers, it wasn’t a sacrifice but a fulfilling choice, one that Bartolo believes speaks volumes about the essence of parenting.
A Modern Dilemma: Balancing Work and Family Life
Bartolo delves into one of the biggest questions parents today face: How can we balance work demands with quality family time? The importance of bonding with children during their early years, he explains, lays the foundation for a child’s future. He notes how these fathers saw their roles not as mere obligations but as unique opportunities to shape their children’s lives and foster their emotional well-being.
Today’s fast-paced world leaves many parents juggling jobs, family, and countless responsibilities. Bartolo’s insights reflect his belief that children’s social and emotional skills are declining, partly due to the lack of quality time spent with parents. In his view, parenting should be seen as an honour that adds to, rather than detracts from, a person’s identity.
Parenting: A Core Part of Identity
One of Bartolo’s most compelling reflections was that being a parent is more than a duty; it’s central to who we are. He observed that fathers like Luke and Ashley view their roles as enriching rather than limiting, challenging the notion that fathers must prioritise their careers or status. In his view, parenthood should be seen as a privilege and an integral part of one’s identity.
A Call to Embrace Parenting as Joy, Not Burden
Bartolo also addressed an unfortunate reality – the tendency of some parents to see their children as burdens due to the pressures of modern life. His message? Reframe your perspective. Children should be seen as a source of joy and purpose, not stress. The happiness these fathers found in prioritising family over work serves as a reminder that time spent with loved ones is invaluable.
By sharing these insights, Bartolo encourages parents to step back, reconsider priorities, and cherish the opportunity to build strong, loving bonds with their children. Parenting, he says, is a meaningful investment in a brighter future for both children and parents alike. In a world that often seems to rush past life’s most precious moments, Bartolo’s message is a gentle nudge to slow down and enjoy the journey of raising a family.
You can watch the lastest episode of Għaliex below:
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