My son came home yesterday and said a kid at school was making fun of another kid for being poor. He didn't stand up for the kid and I could tell he felt bad about it. We talked about loving your neighbor and standing up for what's right, but I'm wondering how to actually prepare him to do these thi...
Got like 5 mature oak trees in my backyard and the kids have been asking for a treehouse forever. Planning to do this next spring. Looking for advice from anyone who's actually built one. Safety is my main concern obviously. Should I hire an engineer or am I overthinking this? Budget is probably 3-5...
Left my job 18 months ago when our third kid was born. Wife makes good money so we decided I'd be the primary parent. Honestly the first 6 months were rough, felt like I lost my identity without the job title. Now I realize I was just going through the motions those 12 years anyway. What I miss: the...
Like how you can be dead tired but the moment the kids go to bed you get a second wind at 9pm. Or how a 2 hour 'quick trip' to get one item at Target somehow costs $80. And that specific panic when your kid laughs at something and you realize you have NO idea what they just saw on their phone. Also ...
We were at the grocery store and he mentioned something about a movie and I actually knew what he was talking about because I've been paying attention to his interests. He told his friend I was cool. I'm still riding this high three days later. I'll probably never be cool again so I'm savoring this ...
Took me like 6 months of weekends but I got the bar stocked, a decent tv on the wall, some old neon signs from Craigslist, and a pool table that I'm still learning how to use. My buddies came over last weekend and we had an absolute blast. This is my happy place now. Wife doesn't even complain when ...
I get so in my head about things that I snap at them over nothing. Yesterday my son spilled juice and I yelled at him like he'd committed a crime. He just looked at me with this sad face and went to his room. I hate that I do this. I'm trying to get into therapy but the wait list is insane. Anyone e...
Work sucks, kids are acting out, wife and I barely talk anymore, and I haven't seen any of my friends in months. I know I should reach out but I feel like such a burden. What's the point? Been having these thoughts more and more and I'm scared. I don't know how to climb out of this hole anymore.
Took him deer hunting for the first time this season. No kill, but that wasn't the point. We spent 6 hours in the woods at dawn and he learned patience, respect for nature, and that being a man means showing up even when it's uncomfortable. Afterwards we went to breakfast and I told him I was proud ...
Been working from home for 2 years now. Saved hours on commute and I'm actually present for my kids. But my work creeps into everything. I'll be at dinner checking emails. Wife finally called me out on it. Set a hard cutoff at 5:30 now and it's been better. Still figuring out how to be fully present...
Got cut off in traffic this morning and immediately went full road rage in my head. Then my 6yo from the back seat said 'Dad you always say we need to be patient like Jesus.' Felt like a punch in the gut. How am I supposed to teach my kids about Christ's character when I'm struggling with basic frui...
Started this treehouse project last Saturday thinking I'd have it done in a weekend. We're now on week three. I underestimated how long everything takes when you have a 6 year old insisting he's your 'construction manager' and a 9 year old who wants the railing to be blue instead of brown. Progress ...
Thought I was experienced because I went camping in college. Apparently camping with two kids under 10 is a completely different sport. We got there Friday evening and immediately realized I forgot the good sleeping bags, the kids got cold around 3 AM and ended up in our tent anyway which meant nobo...
So I'm making breakfast and my 7 year old says 'Dad why do you always burn the toast?' and I go 'I like it crispy' and he says 'You like everything crispy. Your jokes, your cooking, your dance moves.' I have never been more offended and also proud at the same time.
Cleaned the grill yesterday, replaced the grates, got new propane tank. Planning my first cookout of the season for next weekend. There's something therapeutic about standing over a hot grill with a cold beer while the family plays in the yard. This is my favorite time of year. Any recommendations f...