[mystifyingpoi]

I just replied to someone else about this. I had exactly the same challenge with my first newborn. Simply sitting in a chair for hours is really mentally taxing and a huge waste of time. Good for you, that you've found something that doesn't get in a way of helping your child to fall asleep.

[ivanmontillam]

> Simply sitting in a chair for hours is really mentally taxing and a huge waste of time.

How do people that rawdog international flights do it? No phone, no books, no music, maybe just the flight screen with the little aeroplane over the map.

You could just let your thoughts wander. That's a form of meditation, letting the mind unravel on its own.

I wish I did it more, actually.

[organsnyder]

I remember going on family road trips growing up, and my only options for entertainment were reading or looking out the window. We did a road trip a few weeks ago, and my kids were beside themselves if they had to go without some form of interactive entertainment for more than a few minutes.

Of course, I'm sure I was often annoying as hell during long car rides when I was a kid. And the luxury of handing kids a magic-zone-out-device is a lifesaver. But I do wonder if I'm shortchanging my kids by not forcing them to be bored more often.

[ivanmontillam]

The ability to be "bored" is an advantage today. IMHO, it develops patience.

[mystifyingpoi]

> You could just let your thoughts wander

I tried at first, didn't work. I was frustrated after 15 mins of this. But don't worry - I had a plenty of thought wander time at nights, when I was trying to fall asleep, being awoken for the 7th time that night.

[cyberpunk]

Hah, a flight is at most what, 10-12 hours? Try a zen sesshin sometime :}

[cyberpunk]

One day they'll be so big you can't pick them up anymore.

I've never looked back at all the time I spent with my infant son asleep on my arms and thought, damn, what a waste of time that was.

Everyone is different I guess.

[royletron]

Baby sling and a standing desk! Get's a little uncomfy in the heat, but I could pretty much do a whole workday - with a couple of feeding breaks, and milk for the baby of course ;).