Utilizing a survey conducted in 2016 by the Chinese Academy of Science and Technology for Development, this study explores the effects of parenthood on the likelihood of the scientist's first application for the Young Investigator Grant Program administered by the National Science Foundation of China. The analysis indicates that having a child negatively affects scientists' probability of application. However, this parenthood effect varies by scientist's gender and child's age. While women scientists are more adversely affected by having a young child, men scientists are more adversely affected by having an older child. These gendered parenthood effects are moderated by changes in government policy. Both theoretical and policy implications are discussed.