Parents make countless quiet sacrifices every day to give their kids a better life. Sometimes it’s skipping concert tickets, passing on a new outfit, or saying no to a treat, all so their little ones can have something they love. But what happens when a parent decides to finally put themselves first?
In one case, that question divided the internet. A single mother sparked outrage after revealing she spent $7,200 on a BBL and implants yet refused to spend $65 on her daughter’s school supplies. When her own mother found out, things exploded into a heated family argument that left everyone debating the same thing: was she being selfish, or just human? Keep reading to find out what happened next…
A woman recently opened up about spending her entire life savings on plastic surgery, a decision that left many online stunned
Image credits: Getty Images / Unsplash (not the actual photo)
She revealed that after the procedure, she and her daughter were on such a tight budget that she didn’t even buy her child’s school supplies
Image credits: Yan Krukau / Pexels (not the actual photo)
Image credits: Gustavo Fring / Pexels (not the actual photo)
Image credits: Getty Images / Unsplash (not the actual photo)
Image credits: MART PRODUCTION / Pexels (not the actual photo)
Image credits: scene_queen2009
As criticism poured in, the woman doubled down on her decision, further explaining the challenges they were facing and why she felt the surgery was still worth it
Parents have to make tough choices when it comes to balancing their children’s needs with their own well-being and financial priorities
Parenting often looks effortless from the outside but let’s be honest, it’s anything but easy. Behind those happy family photos are countless decisions, trade-offs, and late-night worries. Parents constantly juggle between what’s best for their kids and what’s best for themselves, and that line isn’t always clear. When money comes into the picture, things get even trickier. From tuition fees to doctor visits, parents often find themselves making hard choices that tug at both their hearts and wallets.
Putting your kids’ needs above your own is something every parent understands. You give up the little luxuries, the weekend trip, the fancy dinner, because your child’s happiness comes first. But sometimes, that selflessness can become overwhelming. When your personal wants always take a backseat, it can lead to burnout, frustration, and even guilt. Finding balance becomes not just a financial goal, but an emotional one too.
To understand this better, we spoke with CA Khushboo Dugar, a seasoned professional from India who wears many hats: a chartered accountant, a financial planner, and a proud mother of two. With her expertise in money management and her first-hand experience as a mom, she knows how challenging it can be to strike the right balance between responsibility and self-care.
“Mom guilt is so real,” Khushboo says with a laugh. “Women are often expected to fit into a very specific mold to be the caregivers, the planners, the ones who keep everything running smoothly. But at what cost? Many times, mothers end up cutting down on personal expenses just to make sure their family’s needs are met.” It’s an expectation that’s rarely questioned, but it often leaves women feeling drained and undervalued.
She continues, “I’ve had clients who feel guilty about buying something nice for themselves, whether it’s an expensive watch, a new phone, or even a small splurge on skincare. They’ll justify it by saying, ‘I could use that money for my kids instead.’ But I always tell them, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish; it’s necessary.”
It’s crucial for parents to care for themselves while caring for their kids, keeping both sanity and balance intact
Khushboo, who firmly believes in the power of self-care, says that women need to draw clear lines between personal and family finances. “As women, we often blur those lines. We tend to see every rupee as family money. But it’s important to keep something aside just for yourself, not just for your sanity, but also as a reminder that your needs matter too.”
“Out of your entire monthly budget,” she advises, “set aside a small amount that’s exclusively for you. It could be for a spa visit, a solo coffee date, or even a hobby you’ve wanted to explore. These little acts of self-care help you recharge. And when you feel good, you’re able to show up better for your family.”
At the same time, Khushboo stresses the importance of planning for your children’s future. “Let’s be real, raising a child is expensive. You need to start early with saving and investing for education, health, and other major milestones. Create a plan that doesn’t just rely on hope, but has structure and discipline. Even small, consistent savings make a huge difference over time.”
Her advice wraps up beautifully: “Both are equally important: your personal well-being and your children’s future. Don’t give one all the attention and completely ignore the other. And most importantly, never let anyone make you feel guilty for taking care of yourself. A happy, fulfilled parent raises happier kids and that’s the best investment you can ever make.”
In this particular case, what didn’t sit well with many people was that the mother seemed to prioritize her own desires over her child’s needs. What are your thoughts on the situation? How would you have handled it differently? And what about her mother’s reaction — do you think it was justified?
Many commenters argued that she could have used the money more wisely, perhaps saving it for her daughter’s education
In a surprising update, the woman later admitted she regretted her decision and shared that she now plans to have her implants removed
Image credits: Getty Images / Unsplash (not the actual photo)
Image credits: scene_queen2009
Despite her admission, people online pointed out that she still seemed to be missing the real issue, putting her priorities before her child’s future
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