Took my oldest (he's 9) out to the lake last weekend without the other two. Brought some sandwiches, just us, early morning, peaceful. He caught a decent sized bass and his face lit up. We didn't talk much, just sat there fishing. Coming home I realized how much I needed that. Already planning the n...

I know postpartum depression is usually talked about with moms but I'm struggling hard. It's been 4 months and I feel numb most days. Not suicidal or anything but like, nothing brings me joy anymore. I go through the motions with the kids, work, wife, but inside I feel hollow. Been too embarrassed t...

Married 12 years now with 3 kids. Wouldn't change it but man I do miss sleeping past 630am on weekends. Miss going to the gym whenever I wanted without planning like a military operation. Miss being able to buy random stuff without thinking about it. Mostly I miss the spontaneity and the time with m...

Haven't been fishing since before kids but my oldest is old enough now that I took him out last weekend. We didn't catch much but sitting there with him at like 6am with coffee, it was perfect. No screens, no noise, just water and waiting. Already planning the next trip. This is the kind of stuff I ...

Spent the last 6 months slowly organizing my garage and I finally got it the way I wanted it. New workbench, wall storage, tool organization system. It's not fancy but it's MINE and everything has a place. My wife thinks I'm crazy for spending this much time on it but honestly it's my zen space. Tha...

I used to be the guy staying up till 2am playing video games and sleeping till noon on weekends. Now I'm awake at 5am whether I want to be or not because that's just what happens when you have kids. Honestly though I don't even miss it that much anymore. There's something about having quiet time bef...

Started rebuilding a 1987 Chevy engine with my dad back in April and we're still going. YouTube made it look way easier than it actually is. Parts keep showing up broken or wrong size, and honestly I'm running out of motivation. But my 12 year old has been helping and watching him learn how this stu...

Got offered a big promotion that would mean 60+ hour weeks and frequent travel. My kids are 6 and 8 and still young enough to need me around. I turned it down and my coworkers think I'm crazy. Wife said she was proud of me but I keep second guessing it. Anyone else sacrifice career advancement for f...

Took 3 weeks off when my second was born and thought I'd be relaxed. Instead I'm going crazy being home all day. Wife keeps asking me to do stuff around the house, baby won't stop crying, and I'm constantly checking work emails even though I'm supposed to be off. Anyone else feel guilty for missing ...

Been helping him study for math tests all semester and he finally cracked it. Brought home the paper with a big red A and wanted to show me right away. Put it on the fridge and he keeps walking by and smiling at it. Honestly might be prouder than when I passed my driver's test.

Spent 15 years working construction, decent money but totally unfulfilled. Decided to go back for my degree part time while still working. Took me 6 years total but I finished and got my diploma last month. Now I'm in an office doing project management and I honestly feel like I woke up from a long ...

So I put in my request for an extra 2 weeks and HR basically said no without much explanation. My wife is still struggling with postpartum stuff and I feel like I'm abandoning her by going back full time next week. Anyone else deal with pushback from their company? I'm in tech so I thought we'd be m...

This is new for me and it's scary. Started having these episodes where my heart races, I feel like I can't breathe, and I'm convinced something bad is happening. Had one during a Zoom call last week and had to pretend my internet was acting up. Talked to my doctor and she says it's anxiety but I don...

Changed a diaper this morning and my 8 month old apparently had some kind of explosion overnight. It was everywhere. Like on his back up to his neck. On the crib sheets. We're talking full outfit change and I had to shower. My wife just stood in the doorway laughing at me while I'm in full hazmat mo...

I told my son he needed to eat his vegetables. He looks at me and goes 'Dad you're the one who needs vegetables, you have a vegetable belly.' I'm standing there trying not to laugh while also being a little offended. Kid's got jokes. Where do they learn this stuff at preschool?