The Balancing Act of Parenthood When you're traveling, you get tired. I recently traveled to DC to see my wonderfully grown-up kid. She accomplished so much in her 20s—much more than I ever did. But I was exhausted, and out of my mouth came the following sentence: She: "Mom, you seem tired." Me: "I feel as if my entire life-force energy just drained out of me and into you!" It was hot. She did not appreciate this statement and said she wouldn't have kids based on that. OK,