Through her novels and public remarks, English author Joanne Harris has become well-known for her perceptive observations on relationships and life. One of her noteworthy findings—the significant change in perspective brought about by the birth of a child—is frequently brought up by parents and those thinking about becoming parents.

Before having children, people usually see the world mainly from their own perspective. They concentrate on individual objectives, aspirations, and preferences. But this self-centered attitude starts to disappear after a person has children. Taking care of needs that extend beyond oneself and fostering another life are central to the new reality.

Imagine yourself standing in a wide field, staring straight ahead at the path in front of you. This is a metaphor for concentrating only on yourself and your life's journey. Then picture turning around abruptly to find a small child clutching your hand, looking up at you for protection and direction with wide, inquisitive eyes. This change in viewpoint is similar to realizing that the needs and aspirations of another person are entwined with your own.

Harris's assertion effectively conveys the essence of this change without resorting to overt language that might restrict its applicability or necessitate quotation marks. It emphasizes how becoming a parent raises one's level of empathy, accountability, and selflessness as one's world profoundly broadens to encompass another person's life.