One of the things about being a parent is that you never really get to clock out. Being a parent is a 24/7/365 kinda job. While it’s true that it can be exhausting, it’s also absolutely worth it.

Recently, I found myself with a bit more freedom because my kids are gaining more and more independence. That’s truly a great thing and I’m very grateful for the new found freedom and I’m incredibly proud of my kids’ newly discovered independence.

As a parent, when you gain a bit of freedom, it’s like fresh oxygen in your lungs. It’s invigorating and exciting. I’m pretty sure kids feel something similar as they gain greater levels of independence.

As amazing as it is, it’s not an exact science and there are still moments when, as a parent, you’re called into work on your day off. It happens and you know what? It’s okay.

Sometimes it’s having to cancel plans because someone is sick, and other times it might be getting a phone call in the middle of the night because they’re upset about something and want to go home. Even if it cuts our break short or disrupts our current plans, we drop what we’re doing and go to our kids because we love them and that’s what parents do.

Yes, it can be frustrating because maybe we don’t get that much time to ourselves and we really need it. It can be frustrating because sometimes there may be other people involved who are impacted by a sudden change of plans as well.

As parents, we willingly make the sacrifice because our kids need us in that moment, and if you’re really lucky, the other people impacted, while maybe a little annoyed, will be understanding, and supportive. That support can make all the difference in the world. ☺