Hey oxeia,
I have a little girl, nearly 2 Y.O., and we are expecting another little bundle on the 1st of March (Earlier if my wife gets her way
).
I don't look at my kids as being detrimental to my personal development, but to being pivotal to my personal development. When I am with my daughter, I am constantly thinking how I can help her to be happier, smarter, stronger more persistant, etc.
Scenario 1
"Do you want to go to the park?"
{her face lights up, and she runs for her shoes}
At the park I can unwind after a tough day at the office, and think about what I want, and how to get it, and my princess gets out of the house, gets to play, gets to hang out with her dad, and mum gets a break.
Scenario 2
"Do want to help daddy feed the dog?"
{her face lights up and she runs to the back door}
This is a fun routine, I enjoy feeding the dog more, she helps by shutting the fridge door (this is her job), and she also puts the "dog bone thingy" on top of the meal, and then opens the back door for me.... I give her lots of praise and she always walks off with a confident, "look at me" skip in her step.
It's not always butterflys and rainbows, but since you're running the show, set it up with daily fun and learning.