At the Chicago premiere of The Devil Wears Prada 2, a mom and parenting coach contemplates the true price of success and its influence on our children.

As a teenager, I cherished reading Lauren Weisberger's “The Devil Wears Prada.” Those sunny beach days were filled with dreams of the glamorous life depicted in its pages, even attempting to channel the upgraded version of Andy Sachs.

So, when I got the chance to attend the Chicago premiere, it felt like a nod to my 17-year-old self. Growing up with Anne Hathaway through her films made this event special.

As a mother of three and founder of Parenting on Mars, this event was a refreshing change from my usual routine. I spent weeks preparing, selecting the perfect outfit and scheduling appointments, akin to prom. After a last-minute hairstyle fix that didn’t go as planned, I was set for an evening filled with fashion, red carpets, and a touch of glam — a far cry from carpool runs and bedtime stories.

Inside the theater, surrounded by Chicago's fashion elite, Miranda Priestly revealed the sacrifices behind her success. Spoiler alert for those who haven’t seen the film.

In a pivotal moment, it became clear that her achievements came at the expense of her role as a mother. She expressed missing out on half of her children’s lives, a stark reminder of the costs associated with her choices. This resonated deeply, particularly in today’s discussions about how mothers allocate their time.

With Emma Grede, co-founder and CEO of Good American, making waves with her “max three-hour mum” comment, the conversation around women balancing careers and motherhood is reignited. Miranda’s reflection brings to light what we often hesitate to voice: every pursuit has its price.

We’re left questioning ourselves: Am I a good mom? As someone who studies parenting, I admit I don’t have a definitive answer. Research doesn’t prescribe an ideal number of hours spent with children. The reality is that while time is important, quality is paramount. Emma Grede’s statement has lingered in my mind, emphasizing that our children’s well-being hinges on how they perceive our presence.

Emma spoke candidly, and I want to add: how our kids feel around us shapes their development. Do they feel valued? Are they acknowledged? Can they relax with us just as they are? These questions matter far more than any clocked hours.

As my glamorous evening wrapped up, I hurried home to catch my husband before he turned in. I filled him in on the day’s chaos with the kids (it was a challenge). I reflected on the cost of my night out, realizing I missed moments that tugged at my heart. My daughter had some heavy thoughts as she drifted off to sleep. So, I climbed into bed with her. When she woke, our sleepy conversation began. She asked, “Did you enjoy your night? Are you glad you went?” My thoughts immediately translated this to: Was it worth it?

My response was genuine: “It was a blast! I’m so glad to be here with you now.”