It almost doesn’t feel possible to take this long for a kid to get out of a car. Or for a teenager to get ready. Or to choose what they want from the store.

So what do you do? You find yourself rushing. That seems to be your role in the family, rushing everyone constantly, getting them where they’re supposed to be. Guys, c’mon. Let’s go. Get your stuff. We’re going to be late. Hurry up.

It keeps everyone on schedule, sure, but it comes at such a high cost. They resent you. You resent them. You neglect your actual job.

Which is not, it should be said, to be an efficient manager of time. Your job is not to get in and out of the toy store quickly. Your job is not to race into Starbucks and race out. Your job is not to set land-speed records. Your job is to be their parent. Your job is to be present. Your job is to build trust and connection and to have fun together.

Dawdle. Linger. Slow down. Let it take as long as it takes. Stop rushing them. Slow down. Be present. Do your real job.

P.S. Parenting is the most important job you’ll ever have. But no one hands you a manual.

Daily Dad Society gives you the tools, structure, and accountability you need to do your best every day—community support, vetted resources, expert input, and a group of dads who are walking the same road.

Learn more and join us at dailydad.com/society.