It can be hard to be as productive as you want to be once you have kids. The amount of time that goes to child rearing is staggering and I never realized how much free time I had before becoming a dad. Ironically I have actually become more productive after parenthood but am often forced to choose between many different things that I want to do. The need to prioritize is massive and something that I am still navigating to try and find the most optimal path forward.
All of that to say that it is a struggle to keep up with cleaning the house, training BJJ, work, and all of my various business pursuits. One thing that has become clear is that often the most productive thing that I can do is lay next to the crib while my daughter falls asleep. After many nights laying there thinking about what I have to do I have realized that being there for my daughter means everything. I cannot think of anything that would be more meaningful to mean than my daughter knowing that I will be there for her when she needs me.
These moments are also opportunities for me to take some time to unwind and just be in the moment while waiting for my daughter to fall asleep. I often even end up taking a little nap which can be rejuvenating before taking on the nights chores. Though it may not be exactly what I want to be doing at the moment it often results in me seeing my daughter do something silly or holding her hand for a bit while she is falling asleep. I really end up cherishing those moments which would not have happened without me being there for my daughter.
In conclusion, even being a very low effort task laying there for your child can be a productive and precious time. Not only are you making your child feel loved, safe and cared for but you are giving yourself the opportunity to just sink into the moment. So the next time you are laying there feeling like you should be being more ‘productive’ remind yourself that sometimes the best thing you can do is just be there for your child.