Took the family camping at a state park about 2 hours away. Tent leaked in a rainstorm first night, kids were scared, my wife was pissed. We packed it up and drove to a hotel halfway through. But you know what, we still laugh about it now. Last weekend we went again with a better tent and the kids w...

Spent like 6 months building an offset smoker from an old oil drum. YouTube University at its finest. Did brisket last Saturday and it actually turned out incredible. My neighbors are definitely my friends now. Planning a whole smoking schedule for the summer. This is a dangerous hobby because I jus...

Got a chance to transfer to a bigger role with way more traveling. Like 40% of the month on the road. My kids are 8, 6, and 4. The money would be really good and it's the kind of promotion I've been chasing for years. But my wife basically said it's not happening without her resentment turning into ...

My dad always said you don't have to be rich but you should always be clean and neat. That stuck with me. Now I'm passing it on. Making sure the boys understand that how you present yourself matters. Not in a vain way but in a 'you're showing the world you respect yourself' way. Clean clothes, good ...

Just took one fry from my sons plate and he absolutely lost it. I explained the dad tax is non negotiable. He asked what the 'mom tax' is. I said 'Usually my sanity but thats more of a lifetime subscription.' His mom is not amused.

I try to ask about school stuff, doctor appointments, activities coming up and I get one word answers or nothing at all. Last week I found out from my 9 year old that she had a field trip permission slip that was due. I had to scramble to get it signed. The custody order says we're supposed to keep ...

Kids every other week isn't cutting it. The weeks they're gone I have nothing. No partner, friends are all coupled up and busy, work is just work. Started drinking too much on those off weeks because at least it makes time pass. Finally reached out to a buddy I haven't talked to in forever. He's dea...

Got into a discussion at work about taking responsibility for mistakes versus making excuses. Most guys just blame circumstances. I was raised that a man admits when he screws up, apologizes, and fixes it. Simple. But it seems like that approach gets you nowhere in the corporate world. How do you te...

Me and my brother have been arguing about this for years. I'm team vinegar based, he thinks everything should be sweet brown sugar stuff. We're grilling this Saturday for some neighbors. What's everyone's go to sauce? Trying to settle this once and for all.

My 3 week old son had this explosive poop that went up his back and somehow into his hair. I called my wife at work like it was an emergency. She was laughing on the phone while I'm standing there covered in baby poop trying to figure out if I need to call a doctor. Apparently this is normal. Still ...

I'm not gonna get into all the details but I was a mess. Drinking every night, missed kids' games, my wife almost left me, the whole thing. Went to my first AA meeting kicking and screaming. But somewhere around month 6 something just clicked. I started seeing my kids look at me different. My oldest...

Started working from home 3 days a week last month and I'm able to do school drop-off twice a week now instead of zero times. My oldest even drew me a picture at his desk yesterday that says "Dad work here now". I'm still on calls and meetings but being in the same room as the kids when they leave f...

Two years into WFH now and I barely recognize myself. The commute is gone which should be great but now work just bleeds into everything. I'll answer emails at dinner. I work until 6 or 7pm because the office is ten feet away. Before I had a clear separation. Go to office, come home, be present. Now...

I've been a manager for 2 years now and the stress is insane. By the time I get home I'm too burnt out to be present with my kids. I'm on my phone answering emails at dinner, I'm short with my wife, and I know my kids can feel it. Thought about asking for a role change but worried about looking weak...

My wife had a work thing so I packed up the truck with my 6 and 8 year old and we hit the trail. Made a fire, cooked hot dogs, told ghost stories, and nobody cried or complained. On the drive home my oldest said it was the best day ever. I'm still riding this high 3 days later.