Meaning: This quote reflects the sacrifices and choices that many parents, particularly mothers, often face when it comes to balancing work and family responsibilities. Dorothy Hamill, a former figure skater and Olympic champion, shares a personal insight into her mother's decision to leave the workforce to care for her children, only to return when the family's financial needs changed.

When Hamill mentions that her mother stopped working when she had her brother, it suggests that her mother made the decision to prioritize caring for her children over her career. This is a common scenario for many mothers who decide to become full-time caregivers, often due to a lack of affordable childcare options or the belief that it's in the best interest of the children to have a parent at home during their formative years.

However, as Hamill's interest and involvement in ice skating grew, the family's financial situation changed, and her mother needed to return to work to supplement the family income. This transition reflects the difficult choices that many families face when trying to balance the needs of their children with the practicalities of earning a living.

This quote also sheds light on the often-unrecognized work of stay-at-home parents, particularly mothers. Despite not being in the traditional workforce, full-time parents play a crucial role in raising and nurturing their children, which is a demanding and valuable contribution to society. However, the financial realities of life often require parents to re-enter the workforce, as was the case with Hamill's mother.

Hamill's quote also touches on the challenges of pursuing a passion or talent while navigating family responsibilities. Her intensive ice skating lessons created a need for her mother to earn an income, highlighting the complexities of supporting a child's extracurricular pursuits while managing the family's financial stability.

This quote captures the nuanced decisions and trade-offs that parents, especially mothers, often face. It underscores the difficult choices that many families confront as they navigate the competing demands of work, caregiving, and personal pursuits. It also emphasizes the valuable, albeit often unrecognized, contributions of full-time parents, while acknowledging the practical realities that may necessitate a return to the workforce.

In summary, Dorothy Hamill's quote provides a glimpse into the complexities of balancing work and family responsibilities, shedding light on the sacrifices and choices that parents, particularly mothers, often confront. It also highlights the valuable role of full-time parents and the challenges of supporting a child's passion while managing the family's financial needs.