Every parent deserves a moment — perhaps even 30 minutes — to themselves in the course of a busy day. It’s not always about indulging in relaxation or zoning out. Many of us simply want to escape to a quiet corner, shut the laundry room door, and tackle the never-ending pile of clothes or sneak in a workout without interruptions.
However, one dad on Instagram proposes a different approach that might just change the game: leaving the door open during those treasured moments of me-time.
(If you’re already thinking, “If I leave the door open, my little ones will come pouring in,” trust me, you’re not alone. But let’s explore his perspective.)
Mitchell Davis, known on Instagram as @coach_mdavis, shares a thought-provoking idea grounded in experience. In a video of him preparing to work out in his garage, the door stands wide open. Moments later, his young son walks in and asks if he’s still working out. Davis responds affirmatively, and it seems that his son stays to engage in whatever followed. The overlay text boldly commands, “Leave the damn door open.” Davis’s caption reveals the emotion behind this directive:
“When my son bursts in, he doesn’t come to train. He doesn’t care about reps, sets, or how much weight is on the bar. He comes because I am here. He comes because the noise of training tells him his dad is alive and moving, and he wants to share in that life. The invitation isn’t about lifting. It is about presence. It’s about knowing that he can step into my world at any time and be wholly welcomed, not turned away,” he expresses.
This perspective hits deep.
As Davis elaborates, parenting often involves sacrifice and finding those rare snippets of time for self-care. However, by isolating ourselves too often during such moments, we risk missing out on beautiful surprises right in front of us.
It may sound cliché: “Your kids are only little once; keep the door open.” Yet, I can relate. When I’m busy, whether tackling work or exercise, I’ve found that closing the door tends to invite curiosity from my kids. To them, a shut door can feel like a secret, prompting more interruptions. Leaving it open can foster a sense of inclusion.
Moreover, there’s an enriching benefit to seeing you in action. When they watch you lift weights, jog on the treadmill, or simply curl up with a book on the couch, they might join in, ask questions, or even express ambition to emulate your strength someday.
Leaving the door ajar figuratively extends beyond just the literal interpretation—it signifies being available. They should know that no matter what you’re doing, you’re there when they need you.
“So I remind myself: Leave the door open. Not just literally, but figuratively. To interruptions. To laughter that disrupts my concentration. To questions that seem trivial and rambling stories. To spontaneous moments that create lasting memories,” Davis says. He hopes his child will always remember that his dad’s door is perpetually open — and that truly is an invaluable gift.
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with closing that door sometimes. We all need moments of peace, stability, and quiet. If you’re looking to recharge, focus, or simply cope with fatigue, shutting the door is essential.
But if your instinct is to close the door to avoid interruptions, consider opening it and seeing where it leads. So many of my best moments with my kids have stemmed from interruptions, and I’ve never once thought, “I wish I could have skipped that to complete my routine.”
Besides, they’re likely going to find a way to open the door anyway.
