I feel guilty when I need a break from my kids. It's normal.

I'm exhausted by my children, who constantly demand my full attention — watching a monster truck do the same flip, the fifteenth cartwheel, repeated puppet shows, another snack, help burning off energy, or sitting through a bedtime routine fought over nightmares.

Once, when my daughter was five, she asked me to have a tea party and I told her I didn't have time because of a work deadline. I still see the disappointment on her face; those small moments are fleeting, and sometimes I spiral over the times I was busy and missed them.

When I finally take a break, guilt can hit hard, as if wanting a breather makes me selfish. The guilt eases when I accept that feeling exhausted while being needed so completely doesn't diminish my love — being needed is a privilege, and sometimes they just need to sleep.

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