So I put in for 4 weeks of paternity leave starting next month when my baby is due. My boss said congratulations but then mentioned how busy we are and how hard it would be to cover my accounts. I have 6 weeks of paternity leave available legally. I feel guilty but my wife needs me home. Am I being ...
Been thinking a lot about what leadership actually means as a father and husband. I grew up thinking being 'the man of the house' meant making all the decisions and everyone falling in line. But I've learned that real leadership is about knowing when to speak up, when to listen, and when to follow y...
My wife does basically everything right now since she's breastfeeding and I feel like I'm just watching. I do diaper changes and sometimes hold him but I don't feel that instant connection everyone talks about. Is that normal? I want to bond with him but it feels awkward when he just cries or sleeps...
Used to spend weekends at bars, always had a beer in my hand. My ex said I was a good dad but I wasn't the dad I could be. Got sober basically for my kids and myself. The change was instant for some things, slow for others. First month was brutal. Now I have hobbies, I'm actually present, I remember...
WFH dad here. Got a decent PC setup downstairs that I use for work. Was worried I'd just blend everything together but I've been pretty disciplined about closing the laptop and having a separate gaming area right next to my desk. Been playing Baldur's Gate with my buddies online a couple nights a we...
Work, kids, marriage, house stuff. I'm doing all of it but I feel like I'm running on fumes. Sleep is fine, I eat okay, but there's just this heaviness I can't shake. Talked to my wife about it and she thinks I might be depressed. Not sure if that's the answer or if I just need a vacation.
Been really praying about how to help my kids develop their own relationship with God instead of just going through the motions at dinner. Last week I asked them what they were genuinely worried about and we prayed together about real stuff. My 7 year old actually prayed without me prompting him whi...
This is the third time in two months she's asked to swap weekends at the last minute. I get that life happens but I have plans with the kids that I've already told them about. How do you guys handle this without being the bad guy? I don't want to punish the kids but I also can't keep rearranging my ...
After 8 months of back and forth with lawyers, we finally signed the papers yesterday. 50/50 custody, clear schedule, everything spelled out. Honestly feels like a weight lifted. To anyone going through this right now - hang in there. It sucks but having it all documented and clear actually makes co...
Kid scores a goal and I yell out "That was gouda defense by the other team!" My wife just stared at me. The other parents pretended not to hear me. Worth it though.
This is gonna sound weird but I feel isolated even when I'm with people. Work is draining, home is hectic with three kids, and I haven't talked to a real friend in like two months. Everyone's busy with their own stuff. Starting to wonder if this is just what being a mid-40s dad feels like or if some...
Got the car bill yesterday and it's eating me up inside. I keep doing the math over and over trying to figure out if we can afford it. Wife says I'm overthinking it but I just can't turn my brain off about it. It's 2am and here I am typing this instead of sleeping.
My son is 3 weeks old and I think I'm losing it. My wife and I have been tag teaming nights but I still feel like a zombie during the day at work. How long does this phase last? Does it get better? Also he seems to cluster feed in the evenings from like 6-10pm and I'm not sure if that's normal or if...
I know the books say it's probably just gas but my 6 week old daughter smiled at me while I was changing her diaper this morning and man, I felt like I won the lottery. My wife thinks I'm crazy for being so excited but this made all the sleepless nights feel worth it for a second. Wanted to share be...
Been thinking a lot about what kind of man I want my kids to see me be. I messed up a lot when I was younger but I'm committed to showing my boys that a real man admits his mistakes, works hard, takes care of his family, and treats women with respect. It's not always easy but they're watching everyt...