Doctoral Researcher Kelly Purcell Shares Experiences of Motherhood in Helsinki

Doctoral researcher and storyteller Kelly Purcell has found Helsinki to be an environment that supports family well-being and offers the opportunity to combine a career with family life. Purcell notes that Finnish society values children and supports the parental journey in ways significantly different from her native United States.

Purcell's videos aim to share experiences of motherhood in Finland, emphasizing how society supports and celebrates parenting. She found Helsinki offered hope for the future, as the city facilitates a balanced life where parenthood does not necessarily mean the end of a career. She specifically mentions the Finnish "baby box" as providing relief and reassurance upon her arrival.

Purcell views storytelling as a crucial skill for conveying facts and ideas in an engaging manner, a skill she hones as a doctoral researcher and in everyday interactions. Helsinki also provides easy access to nature, blending urban living with recreational opportunities. The Kallio district reminded her of Brooklyn but offered proximity to the sea and forests by a short bike ride.

Purcell points to Helsinki's high-quality and affordable daycare, as well as the understanding work culture towards parents' lives. The city and its surroundings, including nearby islands and forests, offer a rich environment for raising a child, without requiring a compromise between career aspirations and access to nature.