There was a very good radio programme on BBC Radio 4 about busyness: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b07v07pb http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b07v07pb In a nu

There was a very good radio programme on BBC Radio 4 about busyness: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b07v07pb http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b07v07pb In a nutshell, we're busy because people value things based on the perceived effort that goes into them. This is why people are frustrated if it takes you 1 minute to update their website but still want £100. So if you appear to be very busy, you appear to be putting more effort into your work. The same applies to parenting - we think busy parents are perceived as better parents. At least, that's the argument made in the programme.