We live in a world where “me time” is glorified, and the idea of escaping from your kids for a few hours (or more) is almost a badge of honor. You hear it everywhere—at the doctor’s office, in the break room at work, even from the cashier at the grocery store. Parents are constantly talking about how much they look forward to those precious moments away from their kids. But have you ever stopped to wonder why?

The Great “Me Time” Debate

The other day, I was at the doctor’s office, minding my own business, when the lady at the front desk started chatting with a coworker. “I can’t wait to be stuck in traffic on my way home,” she said, “rather than being at home with my energetic toddler.”

Hold up. What? You’d rather endure traffic than spend time with your own child? There’s something deeply wrong here.

Why would anyone prefer the drudgery of work or the frustration of a traffic jam over the company of their children? This isn’t just a passing thought; it’s a serious problem that says a lot about the state of modern parenting, and not to mention people’s mind setting!

The Work-from-Home Revolution: My Choice, My Kids

Now, don’t get me wrong—I get it. Parenting is tough. Toddlers can be terrorizing, teenagers even worse at times! But let’s face it, our kids are growing up faster than we can blink. One minute, they’re learning to walk; the next, they’re driving off to college.

That’s precisely why I chose to work from home. I wanted to be there for those fleeting moments—like the first time Mason curled up on the couch, completely absorbed in his first chapter book, his brow furrowed in concentration and his eyes lighting up with every turn of the page. Or when Alice spent weeks trying to whistle, finally succeeding with a triumphant little tune that filled the whole house with her excitement.

And let’s not forget Abby, who decided to skip crawling altogether and went straight into walking, toddling around the house with wobbly steps and a grin that could light up the room. These are the moments that pass in the blink of an eye, the ones you’d miss if you were stuck at the office or sitting in traffic.

I deliberately sought out a job that would allow me to be around my children as much as possible. And guess what? I don’t miss the office. I don’t miss the commute. I don’t miss the water cooler gossip.

I look forward to every single minute I get to spend with my kids because I know those minutes are ticking away. One day, they’ll be all grown up and might not even want to spend time with me. That’s the harsh truth many parents refuse to acknowledge.

The Cult of “Me Time”

Here’s the real kicker: We’ve been programmed to believe that “me time” is essential. So many times my wife has heard it, “Oh, you just need a girl’s night”, and she always replies back, “But I love my life”. Why does this have to be the norm mindset? Society tells us that we need to carve out time for ourselves, to indulge in self-care, to take a break from our kids. But is that really the case? Do we really need that time, or have we just been conditioned to think we do?

Think about people in other cultures—tribal communities,  Inuit, people in the east. Do you think they’re sitting around wishing they could get away from their kids for a while? Do you think they’re eagerly awaiting their next “me time” opportunity? Not a chance. They’re with their children all day, every day, and they wouldn’t have it any other way.

In America, though, we’ve been sold a different story. We’ve been told it’s all about *us*. Our needs, our desires, our time. But at what cost?

Time Is Ticking

Let’s get real: You’re on borrowed time. I don’t care how invincible you feel—one day, your clock will run out. And when that happens, will you be proud of how you spent your time? Will you look back and feel satisfied that you spent more time at the office, more time stuck in traffic, more time chasing after “me time” than with your children?

Probably not. And who will be by your side the day you do pass on, your children, if your lucky.

Your kids are going to grow up whether you’re there or not. They’re going to form memories, develop habits, and build relationships. And if you’re not around, those memories, habits, and relationships might not include you.

Why Work When You Can Parent?

Look, I’m not saying work isn’t important. We all have bills to pay, and there’s no shame in wanting to provide for your family. But there’s a fine line between providing and prioritizing. If you’re taking extra shifts at work just to get away from your family, something’s wrong. If you’re counting down the minutes until you can leave the house and escape your kids, you need to reevaluate your priorities and why you feel this way.

Parenting isn’t easy. It’s a 24/7 job with no breaks, no holidays, and no pay. But it’s also the most important job you’ll ever have. Your kids are counting on you to be there for them, to teach them, to love them, and to guide them through life. And if you’re too busy chasing after “me time,” you’re going to miss out on the most important moments of their lives. Like the first steps they take!

The Myth of the Perfect Parent

Let’s address the elephant in the room: No one is perfect. We all make mistakes, and we all have moments when we just need a break. But those moments should be the exception, not the rule.

Some parents work long hours because they feel they have to. They believe they need to provide the best for their children, and that means sacrificing time with them. Others do it because they simply don’t know how to connect with their kids. They’re scared, overwhelmed, or just plain tired. And then there are those who do it because they’ve been brainwashed into thinking that’s what they’re supposed to do.

But here’s the truth: There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting. What works for one family might not work for another. But one thing is universal—your kids need you. They need your time, your attention, and your love. And no amount of “me time” is going to replace that.

A Call to Action: Reevaluate Your Priorities

So, what’s the solution? How do we break free from the cult of “me time” and start focusing on what really matters?

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. Reevaluate Your Priorities: Take a long, hard look at how you’re spending your time. Are you prioritizing work over your kids? If so, it might be time to make some changes.
2. Set Boundaries: If work is taking up too much of your time, set some boundaries. Learn to say no to extra shifts or overtime, and make a commitment to spending more time with your kids.
3. Be Present: When you’re with your kids, be fully present. Put away your phone, turn off the TV, and focus on them. They’ll notice the difference.
4. Get Creative: Find ways to involve your kids in your daily routine. Whether it’s cooking dinner together, going for a walk, or just sitting down to talk, make an effort to include them in your life.
5. Embrace the Chaos: Parenting is messy, chaotic, and unpredictable. But that’s what makes it so special. Embrace the chaos, and enjoy the ride.
6. Ditch the Guilt: If you’ve been prioritizing work over your kids, don’t beat yourself up about it. It’s never too late to make a change. Start small, and work your way up.

The Final Word

Parenting isn’t easy, and there’s no shame in admitting that. But it’s also the most rewarding job you’ll ever have. Your kids are only young once, and they need you now more than ever. So, the next time you’re stuck in traffic or sitting at your desk wishing you were somewhere else, remember this: Your kids are waiting for you. And they’re worth every minute, every second.

Don’t waste another moment chasing after “me time.” Instead, invest that time in your kids. Build forts, read stories, listen to their laughter, and be there for those unrepeatable moments. They’ll thank you for it—not just today, but years down the road when they look back and realize you were always there. And you’ll thank yourself too, knowing that you chose to prioritize what truly matters.

After all, why work when you can be with your kids? They won’t be little forever, but the memories you create together will last a lifetime.