For me it has always been a battle of guilt: guilty for not spending time with them or guilty for not getting enough work done. After all, when a self employed person isn't working there isn't any money being generated either. That is a big problem. Artists especially have to be concerned about time at the canvas because our work comes in steady most of the time but sometimes the dry stretches can be long and bleak. So the pressure is on to generate $$$.
My choice? I feel the pressure to work, that's for sure but today and most days I opted for the splash pad with my son Nathan. I know I'll never have these years again with him. I'm guilty of thoughts of "oh man I wish I could get some more done on that canvas I started this morning..." but it's quickly tempered by the obvious little 7 year old playing there and asking me to join him.
In the end I never regret the time I spend with my kids. Paintings can always be finished later and somehow through it all God manages to provide for this family of mine.
Now. if I could just get a few minutes in on that painting I started earlier today! lol.
RM