Being a parent is hard work. While I imagine it never really gets easier (but only changes as children grow up) there are certain blessings to be found in the present if we look hard enough. I’m not saying I don’t like being a father (I love it!) and I’m not saying that our son is an annoying pest (he isn’t) but I am saying that sometimes you just feel overwhelmed. I never realized how much work I should have been doing with all of the time I had until our son showed me how long it took to read a story (thirty times in a row) or how long it took spoon feed him yogurt (and then clean him up afterward). Sometimes it is hard to find the time to do these things. I’d love to hear from others in the comments but this is what I’ve been able to work out.
Most of my job is computer work: reading, graphic design, research, writing and planning. As I type this our son is sleeping. He’s sleeping in the other room and has been for a little while. These afternoon naps are the time when I can really sit in my chair in front of the keyboard and get work done. I know that he won’t take naps forever but he will certainly be better able as he grows (we hope) to entertain himself and get himself a glass of water (the frequency should also go down since he’s not intentionally spilling it all over the floor). Our son is growing up in the digital age so he loves computers. When he’s awake he’s constantly moving my mouse, pounding on the keyboard, and (sometimes) deleting files (I keep things backed up thankfully). He correclty associates “computer” with “daddy working” and gets angry when I sit down. The only other way I’ve been able to work is to print things off and read/work on them in a chair while he plays with toys. What do other people do? Much respect for all parents!