The Hidden Costs of Success: The Impact of Professional Careers on Parenting and Child Well-Being in Professional Families

This systematic review examines how professional parents manage parenting responsibilities amid demanding work schedules and increasing career pressures. In recent years, much of professional parents' time has been consumed by work-related obligations, often at the expense of parenting and family engagement. This imbalance is reflected in parents’ behaviors towards their children, as the pursuit of professional success frequently carries hidden costs that compromise children's emotional and developmental well-being. The study employed the PRISMA methodology to ensure a rigorous and transparent review process. Using three search strategies, relevant empirical and peer-reviewed research articles published up to 24 October 2024 were identified across multiple databases, including ResearchGate, Google Scholar, Taylor & Francis, and Scopus. The primary aim of the study is to raise awareness among professional parents, organizations, and policymakers regarding the importance of balancing work demands with parenting responsibilities. By recognizing how professional success may inadvertently undermine family relationships, parents and employers can adopt more supportive practices that allow for healthier work-family integration, ultimately benefiting both professional parents and their children.