"Having a child makes you strong and gives you chutzpah. It relaxed my attitude to the job; my center of focus shifted, which I think is very helpful, because even if you're not a very indulgent actor you spend a lot of time thinking about yourself. I don't think that is particularly healthy"

Imelda Staunton reflects on how parenthood profoundly transforms an individual’s sense of self and approach to their professional life, particularly in acting. She describes how having a child brings strength and "chutzpah", a Yiddish term that connotes audacity and spirited confidence. The intensity and demands of raising a child instill resilience and a courage that perhaps wasn't as present before. This change doesn’t only strengthen one’s character, but it also shifts priorities and the sense of what truly matters.

Staunton observes that after becoming a parent, the central focus of her life shifted away from her career and onto her child. This redirection, she notes, had a relaxing effect on her attitude toward her work. Rather than pouring all her energy and emotional investment into each job, she found herself able to detach and put things into perspective. Losing the job-based tunnel vision didn’t make her less dedicated; instead, it made her approach healthier and more balanced.

She points out the inherent risk in acting, a profession often requiring intense introspection and self-analysis. Actors may become absorbed in their craft to the point of preoccupation with their own thoughts and emotions. Staunton suggests that even for those who consciously avoid self-indulgence, acting can be inward-looking by nature. She expresses skepticism about whether this persistent focus on oneself is genuinely healthy in the long run.

Parenthood, then, serves as a grounding force, puncturing the bubble of self-absorption and imposing a broader perspective. The responsibility of nurturing another life naturally draws attention outward, counteracting the inward pull of the acting profession. Staunton’s reflection emphasizes the value of maintaining balance, allowing personal growth through family to enhance, rather than eclipse, artistic dedication. Her experience underscores the necessity of developing resilience, humility, and perspective in a world often obsessed with the self.