Could you choose a single meaningful task to do each day?
Could you identify one primary long-term goal for your children?
Explore how the “One Thing” productivity philosophy can be applied to parenting, and join the conversation about raising intentional, resilient kids.
What’s your “one thing” in parenting for your kids?
I began thinking about applying this business strategy to parenting after interviewing Michelle Ann about calm parenting and mindful discipline. In that conversation she described choosing one key priority each day instead of letting a long to-do list drive her decisions. That idea sparked my curiosity: what would happen if parents picked one core aim that guided their daily choices and long-term intentions for their children?
In our work teaching kids to cook, we often emphasize more than recipes. Cooking is a vehicle for teaching connection, confidence, and creativity. When you try to distill everything down to a single priority, you gain clarity about where to focus your time and energy. Which of those outcomes matters most to you—and to your family?
Watch the video of One Thing in Parenting for more context and examples.
One Thing in Parenting — Key Points and Timestamps
- 0:13: The “One Thing” philosophy encourages you to pick the single action that will create the most impact. In our program, we teach life skills through cooking to build responsibility and independence in kids. If you had to choose only one outcome—connection, confidence, or creativity—which would you prioritize?
- 0:53: Michelle Ann shared that she focuses on the most important thing each day instead of letting an overwhelming list of tasks dictate her priorities. That simple habit reduces stress and increases intentionality.
- 1:46: The underlying concept—choosing one priority that matters most each day—helps you concentrate your energy where it counts. Rather than trying to do everything at once, you complete the most impactful task first.
- 2:09: I wondered whether this approach could be applied deliberately to parenting decisions and routines.
- 3:04: If you feel overwhelmed by many responsibilities, remember: once you finish your “one thing,” choose the next most important task and move forward. I share a personal example of using this method to get through a busy day.
- 4:30: As busy caregivers, try planning your morning’s one thing the night before. Whether it’s an errand, a phone call, or a short quality time activity with your child, deciding in advance reduces morning chaos and decision fatigue.
- 5:15: Ending the day knowing you accomplished what mattered most feels far better than being distracted by many small, nonessential tasks. This habit builds momentum and a sense of accomplishment over time.
Let’s get one thing done, and then move on to the next thing. – Katie Kimball
- 6:28: Parenting involves daily chores—laundry, meals, homework support—but it also involves long-term goals. What if you carried a single guiding aim in the back of your mind as you discipline, encourage, and spend time with your children?
- 7:16: I’m still refining my own “one thing” after nearly two decades of parenting. Distilling long-term aspirations into a single phrase or guiding value is challenging but clarifying.
- 8:55: It’s easy to become distracted by others’ expectations or by fleeting priorities. Naming your one thing helps you resist those distractions and act in alignment with your values.
If you had a clear “one thing,” how would it affect the choices you make during the week? – Katie Kimball
- 10:05: Many of us aim to improve steadily so we can look back and know we were intentional and gave our best. This approach encourages thoughtful growth rather than perfectionism.
- 10:22: Talk with your partner or a close friend about what your family’s “one thing” might be. When both caregivers share the same priority, small daily decisions become easier and more consistent.
Practical steps to try this week:
- Before bed, write down the one thing you want to accomplish the next morning—this can be logistical or relational.
- Discuss with your partner what long-term outcome you most want for your children and how daily choices might support it.
- Celebrate small wins when you complete your one thing, then choose the next priority. Over time, this habit builds progress toward meaningful family goals.
Choosing one guiding priority doesn’t limit your care for your children; it sharpens it. By focusing on what matters most, you create a clearer path for daily decisions, build consistent habits, and model intentional living for your kids.