First time taking it (second kid). With my first I only took 2 weeks because I didn't understand how valuable it was. Has anyone done an extended paternity leave (8+ weeks)? What did you actually DO with the time? I'm planning to be helpful with the newborn/toddler stuff obvi, but also wondering if...
Tbh I'm not sure if what I'm experiencing is actually depression or if I'm just a naturally irritable person who's now sleep-deprived and stressed. I get mad at small things - my kids, my wife, traffic, my job, myself. It's constant. Then I feel guilty about being angry, so I'm angry about being a...
Anyone else just sit down and do the math? Here's what we're paying monthly in the DC area: - Infant room (2yo): $2,400 - Toddler room (4yo): $1,850 - That's $51,600/year before taxes My wife makes decent money but like... almost 40% of her gross goes to daycare. We've looked at nannies, in-home c...
My 13yo is constantly asking for money for Fortnite cosmetics. Like $15-20 skins, emotes, battle passes. I don't get it - they're purely cosmetic and don't affect gameplay. But apparently they're ESSENTIAL because "everyone has them" or whatever. I'm not rich but I'm not struggling either and I cou...
I never do this. But yesterday I called in and told them I wasn't well (technically true). Spent the day watching TV while my wife handled the kids. Felt guilty the whole time but also... I needed it? Sometimes I think dads aren't allowed to have bad mental health days. We're supposed to just push t...
We just got our pricing quote for daycare when I go back to work. $2,100. Per. Month. For FULL TIME. Our daughter isn't even born yet and I'm already paying for a spot. That's more than our mortgage. We're not poor but this feels genuinely impossible? How are people actually doing this? Are we supp...
Ex lets our kids (9, 11) stay up til 10pm, eat whatever, no homework check-in. I'm more structured. When they come to me they're exhausted, can't focus, and honestly act out because of the routine shock. I've asked her to align on basic stuff. She says I'm controlling. My lawyer says unless there's...
My oldest is starting K in the fall. He's been to preschool so he's not completely new to the school environment, but I'm wondering how to make it less overwhelming? Should we visit the school beforehand, practice the routine, or just... send him in and let him figure it out? Any parents been throug...
My company wants me to move into a manager role with a 20% raise. In February when baby was born I would've jumped at it. Now? I'm scared. The role would mean more travel (currently zero), longer hours, and more stress. My wife would be home with our 9-month-old full time. She'd support either way b...
Started leaving my garage open with some tools and projects going. Now five or six kids from the block come over to help and learn. Teaching them how to build something, work hard, respect property. This is what community used to look like. Feels good to be the guy who steps up.
Both kids played in a tournament last weekend. Lost their matches. Expected meltdowns, tears, the whole thing. Instead my 8yo said "I played pretty good though right dad?" and my 6yo asked if we could work on one specific skill to get better. I didn't raise them to be competitive demons. But I also...
Everything was fine. Potty trained, sleeping through the night, eating relatively normal foods. Then 3 hit and it's like someone flipped a switch. Back to accidents, he's waking up at 2am, suddenly refusing everything but chicken nuggets. I know it's probably normal or whatever but damn. My patience...
Been using the Anker 20000mAh one for like 2 years now and it's genuinely solid. Charges fast, holds charge forever, and it's small enough to fit in a backpack. When you're out with kids all day and your phone is constantly at 15%, this thing is essential. Not sponsored or whatever lol just tired o...
Company approved it (!!) and I'm planning to start in March. But I'm nervous about a few things: 1. Will I look bad career-wise when I come back? My industry isn't exactly family-friendly 2. How do I actually structure my days? Do I need a routine or just wing it? 3. Should I tell my team I'll be u...
this has become an issue and I'm not sure if I'm overthinking it. my ex started giving the kids small gifts on Friday when I pick them up (like books or toys). I feel like it's habit-forming and I don't want to compete with that? But also don't want to be that petty dad. Am I reading too much into t...