It’s tough to be a person in this busy, noisy world. You have work. You have obligations as a citizen, as a spouse, as a friend, as a son or daughter. You’ve got goals you’re trying to hit. You’re pulled in a million directions, you have all the things you could and should and would like to do.
And of course, having kids puts extra pressure and tension on all this. Because it deprives you of sleep. Because it costs so much. Because it impacts your schedule, your relationships, your health. It does, no question. But you know what being a parent also does? It simplifies. It clarifies. It gives you a mission.
We’ve been talking about what actor Bob Odenkirk recently said of being a dad to young kids:
I didn’t have to ask myself, ‘What am I doing here? What do I do? And how can I be a part of this world? How can I be meaningful today?’ I didn’t have to ask … because the answer is: pick up everything between here and the door, and make sure they get to school, and have a laugh with them.
He’s saying that being a parent is simple because you know what your job is. So why do we make it so complex? We think we need to add all these things in, make sure they’re taking dance classes, participating in sports and social events, and on and on. These are nice-to-haves, sure. But they’re not necessary.
As parents, we really just need to be doing a few things well. We need to be giving our kids attention and love. We need to make sure they’re fed, healthy, getting enough sleep, and going to school. This is what you need to do. Everything else will follow those leads. And everything besides that is optional or extraneous.
P.S. If you’re interested in a simple way to reflect on your own parenting journey—how you yourself are growing as a parent right alongside your growing kids, we’re excited to share with you our new Daily Dad Five Year Reflection Journal, out now. For each day of the year, you’ll have one line to answer a question, reflect on a parenting topic, or record a memory. Each year afterward, you’ll answer the same prompt in the space below your previous one. Over the course of 5 years, you’ll have created a beautiful record of growth, change, and memories.
This new leatherbound Daily Dad Journal is a limited edition. Head here to get your copy!
Learn more and reserve your copy of the Daily Dad Five Year Reflection Journal today!
