system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
Is it possible to raise a family- and really focus on the kids- with both parents in academia?

My husband and I are both scientists at heart and we are both finally applying to PhD programs this fall. We are both thinking of going into academia.

We always knew we wanted kids eventually but a few weeks ago I had an ectopic pregnancy which really changed my mindset. I now also want children sooner rather than later in addition to wanting to pursue my career. But I’m terrified of the work-life balance in academia and I don’t want to choose which is more important to me.

I’m really fortunate that my husband is so supportive of me. We have had a lot of conversations where he made it clear he sees parenting as truly a partnership between us both and would never expect me to do most of the parenting work (very different from what I had in my home growing up). He’s very encouraging of my career goals and would also be an involved parent.

Is it possible for both partners to focus on their family and careers in academia? We are even considering starting a family during graduate school- does anyone have experience with this?

Is industry a better option for researchers who want plenty of family time?
gpt
I’d be more concerned with the poverty wages as PhD students than the work-life balance. Have you looked into the stipends PhD students get? Do you feel that you could support a family on two of those?