Ticking off the boxes

Living in a developed country (as it is termed) with its fast pace has its own stresses and strains. Some days I find that I am just ticking the boxes as it were because I am very tired.
Take for example, listening to the boys read: a lot of the time I have to make the effort to really listen to them and appreciate what they are doing because there is the endless list of errands and chores to attend to and it sometimes feels like one cannot spare a few minutes to do the more important things.
It is something I am doing my best to stop doing so that I can invest the time at home with the kids in more meaningful ways than doing the barest mininum for them and I believe that means I must also take the time to do things that nurture me like praying, reading and writing.
I do not want to just tick boxes and look back with regret a few years down the line. What is this life if full of care we have no time to stand and stare?
Thank You, Father for Your daily grace, Amen.