Ms. Rachel went viral for this powerful truth about marriage and parenthood

“‘Marry someone who believes in your dreams”: That’s the wisdom Ms. Rachel—beloved children’s educator and YouTube star—offered this week in a now-viral post to her social media accounts.

Ms. Rachel was reflecting on her husband, Broadway music director and composer Aron Accurso, whose unwavering support helped launch her career to new heights. Their professional partnership started as a response to their son’s speech delays; with Ms. Rachel’s background in early childhood education and Aron’s creative flair for music, they co-created a program that didn’t just help their own family but now reaches millions of households. 

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Her insight is more than a romantic quip: it highlights the profound impact a spouse can have on a woman’s ambition, especially when children enter the equation.

Even in 2025, society still treats mothers as the default parent, leaving them to navigate professional goals alongside managing the majority of caregiving tasks, research shows. Ms. Rachel’s story flips that script. By teaming up with her husband, she found the bandwidth to earn two master’s degrees in education and oversee a wildly successful YouTube channel—all while being a mom. In her words, “There’s no Ms. Rachel without Mr. Aron.” That’s not hyperbole; it’s a testament to how a truly supportive partner can transform potential into reality.

Ms. Rachel’s personal experience is reflected in research about the role of a supportive spouse. Significant research confirms that who you marry can shape nearly every aspect of your life—especially your career trajectory once kids come into the picture.

In a Carnegie Mellon University study, researchers found that individuals with supportive spouses are more willing to tackle challenging pursuits, leading to greater personal growth and professional success. A partner’s encouragement and practical help can lighten the mental load many women carry, from scheduling pediatric appointments to planning healthy meals. That extra bandwidth often spells the difference between coasting in a comfort zone and making bold moves in the workplace.

Related: “Get you a man who”: Viral TikTok of dad carrying two kids on the subway has moms swooning

Another compelling body of evidence comes from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Their findings suggest that when household responsibilities are shared more equitably, both partners benefit—especially women, who traditionally shoulder the majority of domestic duties. Equal division of chores and childcare isn’t just a matter of fairness; it creates an environment where women can pursue graduate degrees, seize leadership roles, or even launch new ventures without the looming fear of neglecting their home lives.

Let’s not overlook the essential role father involvement plays in this equation. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has published studies showing that children thrive emotionally, socially, and academically when dads are actively engaged in their lives. When a partner like Aron is present—composing songs and acting as a hands-on dad—it gives a mom like Ms. Rachel room to grow professionally while nurturing deep family bonds. In practical terms, that might mean she can finalize a presentation while her spouse reads a bedtime story or volunteers to handle the morning chaos. Over time, these seemingly small acts add up to something far bigger: the ability for women to truly envision and chase their dreams.

Of course, not every family has the resources or circumstances that Ms. Rachel and Aron enjoy. Single parents, for instance, may need to rely on extended family or community networks for the support a spouse might otherwise provide. But the principle remains the same: genuine support—be it emotional, logistical, or financial—matters immensely in shaping a woman’s professional path. When a partner or community system steps up, the result is greater bandwidth, reduced stress, and often a sharper focus on career goals.

Related: Ms. Rachel shares three “Ps” for potty training: Practice, Patience and Play!

Ms. Rachel’s journey underscores a valuable lesson for couples and parents everywhere: the partner you choose can either fuel your dreams or quietly undermine them. A spouse who actively lifts you up—by sharing day-to-day tasks, encouraging further education, or simply believing in your potential—fosters an environment where careers can flourish even after children arrive. This doesn’t mean the journey is effortless, but it becomes more manageable, more fulfilling, and, ultimately, more sustainable.

So if you’re considering marriage or already navigating family life with a long-term partner, Ms. Rachel’s experience serves as both inspiration and evidence. This kind of support isn’t just about sweet Instagram tributes or perfectly orchestrated date nights. It’s about showing up day after day—helping with the late-night feedings, cheering on big dreams, and staying steady through the inevitable curveballs of parenting. Because, as her story reminds us, sometimes realizing your professional potential starts with choosing someone who believes in you just as much as you believe in yourself.

And that, Ms. Rachel would likely add, is something every mom absolutely deserves.

Related: Ms. Rachel explains the importance of speaking ‘parentese’ to littles: ‘This is not baby talk’

Sources:

1. Why the glass ceiling still matters. The University of Chicago Booth School of Business. 2018. “The Glass Ceiling: Three reasons why it still exists and is hurting the economy.”

2. How dads shape kids’ growing minds. PMC. 2019. “Father Involvement and Cognitive Development in Early and Middle Childhood: A Systematic Review.”