Sure, they’re being a little rude. They’re being annoying. They are acting entitled. It is impossible to concentrate. It will only take a second.

And yet?

As we’ve said, maybe you are the problem. Do you really need to be doing this right now?

The email can wait. The article you’re trying to read doesn’t matter. You and your spouse can have this conversation later. You can hit pause on the video or the football game. Honestly, it’s kind of crazy that you chose this time to tackle those things anyway. You should have learned your lesson by now!

You think your kids are being frustrating. But really, they’re just being reasonable. They’re asking for something they need but you’re the one that’s distracted in this moment, you’re the one doing the wrong thing.

So put the phone down, refocus away from that work email. Reframe your perspective. Your kids need you.

P.S. This popular 26-second video over on our Daily Dad YouTube channel sums it up nicely. Find out The Key to Parenting (in Under 30 Seconds).