Parenting is such a trip. Lisa and I were high-fiving each other after Christmas. Santa delivered a Nintendo Switch – and suddenly – _Instant Childcare!_ For 45 minutes each evening, Lisa and I had – _gasp_ – time to watch a TV series. (Fleishman is in Trouble, godd**n that’s like a RadReads blog series.) And while we were celebrating, hooting and hollering. The parenting gods threw us a major curve ball. Our beloved 5 year added a new step to her bedtime routine. And boy, it was a gnarly price to pay. ## Daddy, I’m scared Yup, after months of letting us close the door after hugs and kisses – something had changed. A mix of night terrors and school jitters made bedtime really difficult for her. And she wanted some to snuggle. Not for a story. Not for 15 minutes. __But until she fell asleep.__ (Usually 45 minutes.) Now the snuggles are delicious. They’re warm. There’s hand holding. There’s that feint _almost-snore_ that indicates that it’s a little too soon to sneak out. But 45 minutes is a f**ng long time. Especially when your nerves are frayed because of [the pending recession](). Or because you could be getting to [Inbox Zero](). Or you could be evaluating [new marketing strategies](). Or [meditating](). So I’m often really annoyed. First, I’ll try to sneak out under the pretense of “getting more tea.” Next, I’ll try to do an extended bathroom break. Ultimately, (and thankfully not always) – I snap. ## But what if it was the last time? It’s a weird question, a backhanded _memento-mor_ _i_ of sorts inspired by the tweet below: One day ([quite soon actually]()) she won’t need those snuggles. Then, she won’t need me to walk her to school. Then, she won’t talk to me because dads are lame and don’t _get it_. You see where I’m going here. __There’s a last time for everything.__ So how would you approach this scenario, if you knew it was the last time you’d ever do it? Would you be pissed? Or would you savor it? And there’s a last time for everything. Both the good. And the not as good. So if your child asks for that poorly-timed hug – _last time._ The nagging call from your parents – _last time._ That argument with your spouse – _last time._ As the author of the tweet says: > _When your life feels stressful, remember: > There is a “Last Time” to everything. > We are finite. > Your struggles are finite. > Your happy moments are finite too._ ## You may also enjoy reading * [Should you die with zero?]() * [Are ambitious parents bad parents]() * [True wealth is never feeling rushed]()