The Struggle of Being Present: Finding Balance Between Hustle and Family

As young adults juggling work, school, side hustles, daily chores, and financial responsibilities, we often find ourselves in a constant race against time. We know we want to give our children a better life—a life full of opportunities, joy, and stability—but the hustle of everyday life can leave us feeling drained, overwhelmed, and at times, even disconnected from the ones we love most. The weight of our responsibilities grows, and so does the distance between us and our families. It’s not that we don’t want to be there for our children or engage with them, but sometimes it feels impossible to slow down and be present for our children.

In our efforts to “do it all,” we may find ourselves with little patience, snapping at our children, and feeling guilty afterward. We know it’s not ideal, but with so much on our plates, how can we keep from losing our shit and missing out on the moments that matter? How do we find time to connect, nurture, and play when the world around us demands so much of our attention? And more importantly, what does it really mean to be present in the lives of our children?

The truth is, we want to be good parents, partners, and friends. But with the constant pressure of managing multiple roles, it’s easy to let our patience run thin, our tempers flare, and our time slip away. So, how do we balance our ambition with the need to show up for the most important people in our lives in a meaningful way?

The Cycle of Hustle and Short Patience

It’s not uncommon for parents to feel like they’re constantly running on empty. A recent Pew Research Center report showed that 56% of parents feel overwhelmed by balancing work and family life. Between juggling business meetings, school assignments, household chores, and financial worries, we’re left with little energy to give our children the attention and care they deserve.

We might snap when we don't mean to, lose patience when we're already stretched too thin, or withdraw emotionally because there’s just too much to manage. We tell ourselves it’s because we’re tired, that we’re doing our best, but how much is that really affecting our children?

Think about it: when you snap at your child or rush through a moment with them, what message are you sending? Do they feel seen, heard, and loved—or do they feel the weight of your stress? It’s a hard question, but it’s one that can help us reflect on how our actions affect those we care about most.

The Role of Patience in Parenting

Patience is a cornerstone of good parenting, but it’s one that’s often in short supply when we’re stretched too thin. It’s easy to become frustrated when we feel like we’re constantly running out of time, constantly behind, or constantly failing to meet the expectations we set for ourselves.

Here’s the thing: patience isn’t something we’re simply born with—it’s a skill we can develop, nurture, and practice. The first step is recognizing when we’re about to reach our breaking point and consciously choosing a different response. One of the most effective strategies I’ve found is simply "remembering in the moment." It’s that brief pause of awareness, that moment when we recognize our emotional reaction, and the consistent effort to do better moving forward. Because let's face it, the struggle of being present is all too real. So, instead of reacting in frustration, what if we took a deep breath, paused for a moment, and gave ourselves the space to respond calmly?

To be more patient, we also need to actively manage our time better. We can’t expect to show up with patience and presence if we’re chronically overwhelmed. Managing our time, setting boundaries, and learning how to say “no” are all key components in creating a more peaceful family life.

Time Management: A Key to More Patience and Presence

Effective time management can help us build a buffer of patience—giving us the mental space to engage with our children without feeling frazzled. When we are intentional about how we spend our time, we can carve out moments of connection that are meaningful.

Here are a few time management tips that can help you balance your personal goals with family bonding:

1. Prioritize and Delegate: There are only so many hours in a day, so it’s important to identify what truly matters. What are the activities that you can delegate or simplify? Could a family member help with errands or household chores? Can you streamline your side hustle to free up more time for your family? The less you’re bogged down by tasks, the more room you have for connection.

   
   

2. Schedule Quality Time: While it may seem counterintuitive to “schedule” family time, intentionally carving out time to be present with your children can help ensure it actually happens. Whether it’s a weekend outing, a regular “family movie night,” or a simple walk after dinner, make time to engage in activities that foster bonding and play.

   
   

3. Batch Tasks for Efficiency: Use your time wisely by batching tasks. For example, can you prepare meals for the week in one go, or organize your workday so that you’re not constantly switching between tasks? The more efficiently you manage your day, the more room you have for meaningful interactions.

   
   

4. Set Boundaries for Work and Personal Time: Learning to set clear boundaries between work and home life is essential. It can be easy to let your business or side hustle spill into family time, but setting strict work hours and being mindful of “off-the-clock” time with your family is crucial for staying present.

   
   

5. Use Time Wisely—Even in Small Moments: Even if you only have 10 or 15 minutes between tasks, use that time to engage with your child. Whether it’s sitting down for a quick conversation, playing a short game, or even just hugging them, those moments add up over time and make a big difference in how connected your family feels.

   
   

Family Bonding: Turning Hustle into Connection

Beyond time management, we also need to be intentional about how we bond with our families. Bonding with your children doesn’t have to be elaborate or time-consuming; it’s about making everyday moments meaningful. Being present and engaging.

Here are a few family bonding techniques that can help:

1. Mindful Parenting: When you’re spending time with your child, try to focus on the present moment. Put away your phone, turn off the TV, and tune into your child’s needs and feelings. Ask open-ended questions, listen actively, and let them know you’re fully there.

   
   

2. Create Shared Routines: Whether it’s cooking dinner together, doing chores as a team, or having bedtime rituals, shared routines help build a sense of connection and trust. These rituals don’t need to be long or complicated, but they give your child something to look forward to every day.

   
   

3. Be Playful: Play is essential for both children and parents. It’s a great way to connect and release stress. Make time to engage in activities that make you both laugh and have fun, whether it’s a spontaneous dance party in the living room or a silly game outside.

   
   

4. Teach Through Connection: Even when you’re busy, you can use everyday tasks as opportunities to teach and bond with your children. Instead of seeing chores as distractions, you can turn them into shared experiences where you teach your child about responsibility, problem-solving, or teamwork.

At the end of the day, being a present parent isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up, even when you’re tired, even when you feel like you have no time. It’s about acknowledging when your patience is running low and taking small steps to reset. By managing your time effectively, making space for connection, and actively cultivating patience, you can build a foundation of love and support for your children—one that lasts a lifetime.

So, let’s ask ourselves one more question: How can we balance the demands of life with the needs of our family in a way that feels nurturing and fulfilling?

Remember, being present isn’t about grand gestures—it’s about the small, everyday choices we make that show our children they are loved, valued, and truly seen.

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Brandon | Forward & Thrive

January 18, 2025