Had a conversation with my 16 year old about curfew. He wanted to stay out later like some of his friends. I explained that my job as his father isn't to be his friend, it's to be his leader. A real man sets boundaries and sticks to them. Kids need structure. I was respectful about it but firm. He g...
He says his friends think it's uncool and he'd rather sleep in on Sundays. I've been taking him every week since he was born and we've been involved in the youth group. I don't want to force him but I also feel like I'm failing as a dad if I let him just opt out. He still believes in God I think, he...
My son caught me lying to my boss about why I couldn't make a meeting when really I just didn't want to go. He asked why it was okay for me to lie when he gets in trouble for lying to me. I had no good answer. That moment really humbled me. Been trying to be more intentional about my integrity becau...
I'm a software engineer and the expectations at my company are just unreasonable. I'm the only one bringing in a paycheck right now and I feel trapped. If I push back on hours they'll just find someone else. My kids go to bed before I get home most nights and I miss them. I know a lot of guys deal w...
Been working with him all summer and today he just took off down the driveway. I was running behind him ready to catch him and he made it all the way to the end without falling. He was screaming the whole way but in a good way. Wife got it on video. Best day ever.
My daughter mentioned something mom said about how I don't care about them as much or something. I'm devastated honestly. The divorce is final, we have 50/50 custody, and I'm trying so hard to be the best dad I can be. How do I handle this without making things worse? Do I bring it up with my ex? Ig...
Took him to grab some food after his soccer game and somehow we ended up having this really good conversation about college and what he wants to do. He was actually engaged and asking me questions about my job. Felt like a win for sure. Thought we were losing him to the phone life.
Want to start reading the Bible together as a family but not sure where to begin. My kids are 8, 10, and 13 so pretty different ages in terms of understanding. There's so many devotional books out there I don't even know what's actually good. We go to church but I feel like I should be doing more to...
So I promised my son a treehouse last summer and finally got around to it this past weekend. Grabbed some 2x8s from Home Depot, watched like 50 YouTube videos on safety, and we spent Saturday afternoon hammering nails. Kid was so proud helping me measure and hand me tools. Sunday we added a rope lad...
Finally finished the treehouse in our backyard. My son picked out the wood himself and helped me carry boards around even though he could barely hold them lol. We used a forked branch about 12 feet up in the oak tree and built a platform with some 2x8s. Safety rails took longer than I expected but b...
Everyone said it would take forever and we'd struggle for months. Decided to just go for it one day and stuck with it. He had like 2 accidents the whole time and now he's asking to use the bathroom before I even have to remind him. My wife said I'm a miracle worker but honestly we just got lucky wit...
Was eating goldfish crackers with my toddler and he keeps pointing at them saying 'They're not smiling Dad.' So I tell him 'Maybe they're just concentrating on not getting eaten.' Now every time we have snack time he yells 'THEY'RE CONCENTRATING!' I've created a monster but an amused one so I'll tak...
Finally reached the point where I can tell my kids are laughing WITH me instead of AT me when I make jokes. Pretty sure I heard my 10 year old groan-laugh at one of my puns yesterday. The groaning is basically applause for dads. This is the peak of my life.
My old man always said a man's word is his bond. Been trying to live that with my kids. When I tell them I'll be somewhere at 6, I'm there at 5:55. When I mess up, I own it and apologize. They're watching everything we do, whether we realize it or not. Leadership starts at home, not in the boardroom...
Got passed over for promotion again and pretty sure it's because I don't stay late or travel anymore. I requested flexible hours 2 years ago when my oldest started school and now I'm basically invisible for advancement. The guys who got promoted are all doing 10-12 hour days. I make decent money so ...