A book I am reading made a great point that I would like to apply to parenting.
New parents may feel they have a lot less time on their hands after becoming parents. The truth is, God gives everyone the same amount of time. Parenting just changes how you use that time and (hopefully) your priorities.
In this book it talked about eliminating the “noise” that distracts us from what is important to us. This is key as a parent because a) we want to be the absolute best parents we can be and because b) we should now have less of a window to fit in those other non directly related to parenting things we find important (reading, praying, exercise, volunteering, time out with friends, sports, writing blogs, etc.).
The book pointed out 4 criteria for identifying the “noise” in your life that saps your extremely valuable resources and distracts you from what is really important. When deciding on what to focus your time on ask yourself…
1) Is it Unusable? Will this directly impact your actions. “News” actually falls into this category usually. The author gives an example of news of a disaster half way across the world. This is noise… unless it drives you to send aid or some other impact. Another example that may hit close to home is social media. Is finding out what your third cousin, twice removed, had for breakfast something that will drive your actions?
2) Is it Untimely? By the time it matters to you it will likely have changed. E.g. reading up on colleges while your kiddo is in diapers or frequent checks of your retirement account balance. : )
3) Is it Hypothetical? Is it based on what someone thinks “could be” instead of what is.
4) Is it Distracting? Does it distract you from the things you find meaningful in this life.
To me number 1 and 4 are so huge as parents. Take some time to think about the list.
If you are a current parent, see what God brings to mind things from the categories above you could replace with more meaningful activities. If you are expecting, consider the things you can start to put away today in advance to even better prepare for the awesome blessing that is coming.