There are days when I have a list of things that simply cannot wait.

Dinner needs cooking.

Paperwork needs finishing.

Messages need replying to.

And all of this has to happen while looking after two little girls who, quite understandably, just want my attention.

Lately, while single parenting, I’ve found this balance especially difficult.

Every time I sit down to finish something, one of them wants me to build a tower, colour a picture, read a book, or simply sit beside them.

A part of me wants to say yes every single time.

The other part knows that life still has to move forward.

So sometimes, I turn on the TV.

Not for hours.

Not because it’s the easiest option.

But because I need 30 to 45 uninterrupted minutes to focus on something important.

And every single time, I feel a little guilty.

The Battle in My Head

The guilt isn’t really about the TV.

It’s about wondering if I’m giving them enough.

Am I playing enough?

Am I present enough?

Will they remember that I was busy more than they remember that I was there?

Social media doesn’t help.

It often feels like everyone else is doing crafts, baking, sensory play, and educational activities all day long.

Meanwhile, I’m trying to complete daily chores while making sure nobody has emptied an entire box of toys onto the floor.

And sometimes when I feel the TV has played its part

We usually begin with a game together.

Maybe it’s building blocks.

Maybe pretend cooking.

Maybe reading books.

Once they’re happily engaged, I slowly step away to finish a task nearby.

Sometimes it works.

Sometimes it lasts five minutes before someone comes looking for me.

I’m Learning That Balance Doesn’t Look Perfect

I’ve realised that being a present parent doesn’t mean entertaining my children every waking minute.

It means making intentional time for them.

It also means showing them that homes don’t run by themselves and that mums have responsibilities too.

Some days I’ll have endless patience.

Other days, Bluey might help me get dinner on the table.

Both days can still be good parenting.

To Every Parent Feeling Guilty

If you’ve ever felt bad about using a little screen time so you could cook, clean, work, or simply catch your breath, you’re not alone.

Children don’t need perfect parents.

They need parents who love them, spend meaningful time with them, and do the best they can with the day in front of them.

For me, that sometimes includes 30 minutes of TV.