Children are our treasure. Society (as it exists today) is our ball and chain. Sure - there's a time and place for grownup time. I go there myself sometimes with a huge sigh of relief. But then I leave and go back to my children with gratitude and appreciation for the chance to raise my kids to the best of my efforts.

Gen X parent here. And I feel much the same about letting my kids evolve and interact with the world as you describe here.