What I really like about this is it doesn't focus on hacks around the kids.<p>I'm sceptical about the idea you could hack being a parent and if you want to you should probably think about whether parenting is something you really want to do.<p>If you choose to bring someone else into this world, you owe it to them to give being their mum or dad your absolute best shot and not try and cut corners. As Jeff Atwood said of Steve Jobs around the time he quit Stack Overflow "if you're going to f<i></i>k something up, f<i></i>k up the iPad, don't f<i></i>k up your kids".<p>Obviously there are things you can do (usually around having an understanding partner who will put in the time you can't if that has to happen) but don't fool yourself it's the same as allof you spending quality time as a family.
The part I found most useful:<p>Recently, I have been practicing a new time management technique and I am calling it the “Minimum Viable Daily Tasks”. Here is how it works: Choose the minimum amount of work that needs to be done everyday so that you have a big smile on your face when you are heading home in the evening. If you accomplish anything more then it is a bonus.
I wish there was a guide for dads (or moms) for balancing a one year old running around the house, running a software consultancy, an early stage startup and an MS degree on the side, all from home.
He's quite right. I never equate hours in front of a screen to productivity. Its wrong. I am (for the last 8 years) a dad to 2 boys and have worked in start ups for the last 16 years or so. Sometimes I have to leave early, sometimes I start later, most of the time I drop them off at school, etc.
The last thing I want is to come home late to see two sleeping kids and then leave early the next day.
These tips are great because they are not just for parents with kids but for anyone who wants to be more productive.<p>I especially like the tip around writing down a plan for the next day the night before - I've started doing this recently and it enables me to offload thoughts and worries about the next day and focus on getting a good night sleep.
<p><pre><code> Oxymoron (ox·y·mo·ron) is a combination of contradictory
or incongruous words. For example:
Early in the morning when everyone is asleep
</code></pre>
Between our friends and family I am aware of exactly one toddler that sleeps until 8 in the morning and she is widely regarded as a miracle child for just that reason.