A Texas father has shared a surprising confession: spending extended time playing with his young children makes him feel frustrated and on edge. His post, published on X, has gone viral, amassing over 18 million views.
Justin Murphy, an author and businessman from Austin, opened his post with the question: “Am I just a monster?” He explained that while he loves his children, he struggles to enjoy long periods of playtime with them. Murphy, who has multiple children including a four-year-old son, described how he often only wants to spend about 10 minutes a day interacting actively with them.
“It’s been four years since I became a dad, and sometimes I fear for my own sanity,” Murphy wrote. “I just don’t enjoy being around kids for long stretches. This feeling isn’t unusual historically for fathers, but in today’s culture, it feels almost taboo. It’s confusing and exhausting.”
Murphy shared a recent example: his young son begged him to play catch outside. “I agreed, smiling on the outside, but inside I was dreading it,” he admitted. “Afterward, I felt guilty and ungrateful, even though I rationally know these moments are precious.”
He explained he prefers to spend only about 70–140 minutes a week in focused play—roughly ten minutes a day, sometimes split into two sessions—while taking breaks from work. Murphy also noted that many of his peers claim to find joy in extended time with their children, leaving him questioning whether his feelings are abnormal.
Surprisingly, many other fathers supported Murphy’s candidness. One commenter said, “Totally normal. You’re not a bad dad. Parenting young kids is exhausting, and it’s okay to take care of yourself too.” Others emphasized that short, meaningful periods of attention are sufficient, and that fathers also need time for personal growth and career development.
Some commenters, however, advised him to reconsider his priorities. “Time spent with your children now is far more impactful than anything else,” one wrote. Another added, “You might think work or hobbies are more important, but investing in your kids now shapes their future and strengthens your bond.”
Murphy’s post has sparked a wide-ranging discussion on modern fatherhood, guilt, and societal expectations, highlighting that parenting is not a one-size-fits-all experience—and that many dads struggle silently with these same feelings.