Carly Shimkus: Balancing Motherhood and Her Career at Fox News

Carly Shimkus, the beloved anchor of Fox and Friends First, is a familiar face for viewers across the nation, known for her warm personality and engaging presence. However, her absence from the show in 2023 had fans questioning why they hadn’t seen her on air. The answer, as it turns out, was much more personal than anyone expected. The reason behind her sudden hiatus? Carly had stepped away from her role to embrace a new, more profound journey—motherhood.

Motherhood and Career: A Major Life Shift

On February 3, 2023, Carly and her husband, Peter, welcomed their first child, a healthy baby boy named Brock Edward. This joyous event marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life, one that required time away from the cameras. Carly decided to take an extended maternity leave to focus entirely on her newborn son. In an industry where early mornings and long hours dominate, the transition to full-time motherhood was a new set of challenges Carly had to navigate, and she did so with grace and dedication.

Her decision to step back from her career reflected the ongoing conversation in workplaces across America about finding balance between family and career. As a morning news anchor, Carly’s usual routine involved waking up at 1:15 a.m. to prepare for her on-air time. This demanding schedule left little time for family. Now, with the birth of her son, Carly shifted her focus to family life—spending sleepless nights, managing feedings, and adjusting to the routine of motherhood, all while keeping her personal and professional worlds in harmony.

The Grueling Schedule: Life of a Morning News Anchor

For Carly, balancing the demands of being a new mom with her high-profile career was no easy feat. Fox and Friends First hits the airwaves at 5:00 a.m. Eastern, and that means Carly’s day begins long before dawn. The hours between waking up and going live are filled with reviewing scripts, catching up on the latest developments, and preparing mentally for the day ahead. These early mornings have a significant toll on many anchors, and Carly is no exception. Her workday often stretches well into the afternoon, requiring constant planning and coordination to ensure she is fully present for both her career and her family.

But since becoming a mother, Carly’s perspective on work-life balance has evolved. Parenthood, especially in its earliest stages, is all-consuming. Between pumping breast milk during show breaks and making sure her son’s schedule aligns with her work, Carly’s new reality required careful time management. She adapted to the unique challenges of combining her demanding career with her growing responsibilities as a mother. This balance, while difficult, didn’t dampen her enthusiasm for her role at Fox News—if anything, it fueled her drive to continue bringing her best to both her work and her family.

The Return: A Changed Perspective

After four months of maternity leave, Carly Shimkus returned to Fox and Friends First, and her comeback was eagerly anticipated by fans. The time away from the screen allowed her to bond deeply with baby Brock and also gave her a newfound perspective. While Carly’s professional commitments remained a priority, the experience of motherhood had transformed her in ways that impacted her approach to the news and the stories she now covered. Issues like family, education, and child welfare took on new meaning for her as she understood them firsthand.

Her social media during her leave offered glimpses into her new life. Gone were the polished TV shots of news coverage—replaced by candid, heartwarming moments with her son. These snapshots of everyday family life resonated with her audience, humanizing her and allowing fans to see the woman behind the anchor. Her candid moments with baby Brock only strengthened her connection with her followers, many of whom appreciated her transparency and relatability.

Support From Family and Colleagues

A key element in Carly’s successful return was the unwavering support she received from her husband, Peter. Their partnership, already strong, grew even more solid through the shared experience of parenthood. Peter played a critical role in managing their home life, which allowed Carly the flexibility she needed to pursue her career without worry. Knowing that their son was in loving, capable hands at home gave Carly the peace of mind she needed to jump back into the fast-paced world of morning news with renewed vigor.

Looking Ahead: Balancing Ambition and Family Life

Carly Shimkus has proven that it is possible to balance a demanding career with the joys of motherhood. Despite the early mornings, long hours, and pressures that come with being a morning news anchor, she remains committed to her work while prioritizing her family life. Her ability to navigate both worlds with poise and professionalism has made her an inspiring role model for working mothers everywhere.

As Carly continues her journey in both her personal and professional life, her story reminds us all that while careers are important, family and personal well-being are just as crucial. Her resilience and determination are a testament to the power of a strong support system and the strength it takes to balance it all.

Do you think you could manage such an intense schedule while raising a newborn? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!