When ‘hurry up’ is a habit

AS working parents, many of us measure our days by efficiency. Mornings are rushed, evenings are fragmented, and “hurry up” quietly becomes a household mantra. In the process, meaningful time with our children often turns into task-based supervision rather than genuine connection.

Like many mothers, I juggle work deadlines with parenting responsibilities. The most comforting moment of my day is picking up my daughter from school, when her excitement briefly slows the pace of every-thing else. Yet by evening, unfinished work and digital distractions often compete with family time, leaving little room for patience.

Bedtime stories remain my one protected ritual. In those quiet moments, I am reminded that children do not need perfect parents – they need present ones.

In a society that values productivity, perhaps it is worth asking whether we are giving our children enough unhurried attention. Years from now, they may not remember how busy we were, but they will remember how we made them feel.

LEE QIAO HUI

Batu Ferringhi, Penang