Parent Interview: Navigating Toddler Tantrums

We spoke with David Kim, a father of three and software engineer, about his journey to find balance between his demanding career and family responsibilities.

**Q: What’s been your biggest challenge in work-life balance?**

David: ‘The guilt was overwhelming at first. Missing bedtime stories because of late meetings, or being distracted by work emails during family dinner. I realized I was physically present but not emotionally available.’

**Q: What changes did you make?**

David: ‘I established clear boundaries. Work phone goes in a drawer during family time. I negotiated flexible hours so I could do school pickup twice a week. Most importantly, I started scheduling one-on-one time with each child.’

**Q: How did your family respond?**

David: ‘My wife noticed the difference immediately. The kids started coming to me more with their problems and stories. Our family dynamic became much more connected. Quality time really does matter more than quantity.’

**Q: Advice for other working parents?**

David: ‘Start small. Even 15 minutes of undivided attention makes a difference. Communicate with your partner about sharing responsibilities. And remember, being a good provider means being emotionally present, not just financially.’

David’s story illustrates that work-life balance is an ongoing process that requires intentional effort and clear priorities.