Just got on antidepressants like a week ago and I feel like I'm admitting I'm weak or broken or something. My buddy at work asked why I seem quieter and I almost told him but couldn't. I know that's stupid, I know plenty of people take them, but there's still this stigma in my head. Anyone else been...
My 8 year old stepped up to the plate for the first time ever in an actual game and I swear my heart was pounding harder than his. Third pitch he connects and sends it flying over the left fielder's head. The whole team went crazy, I got chills. He ran those bases grinning ear to ear. Worth every ea...
My son is 2 weeks old and I love him obviously but I'm not getting that overwhelming instant connection everyone talks about. I feel like I'm just following steps from the parenting books, changing diapers, watching him sleep. Is it normal to feel a bit disconnected at first? Did this change for you...
This might sound small but it's a miracle in our house. 7 and 5 year olds, usually bedtime is a whole thing with negotiations and delays. Tonight we had a dance party right before bed, got them laughing and tired, and they both just went down without resistance. Wife didn't believe it when I told he...
Tried to make a joke during dinner while running on like 4 hours of sleep from being up with the baby all night. Made absolutely zero sense and everyone just stared at me. Wife said 'Are you okay?' Nope, just dad humor powered by sleep deprivation. It's a specific genre that only lands when you're d...
Left my job to be the primary caregiver and while I'm grateful for the time with my kids it's been really isolating. My wife works long hours and all my friends still have their jobs so I don't see them much. Most of the parent groups around here seem to be moms and I feel awkward. Some days I don't...
I used to travel for work constantly and was on the partner track at my firm. Now that I have two kids I can't do the nights away anymore and I feel like I'm being passed over for promotions. My coworkers without kids are getting the big projects. I love being a dad but it sucks feeling like I have ...
Took my 3 kids on a road trip and we stopped at a gas station bathroom. The smell. The mystery puddles. A toilet paper dispenser that had clearly seen better days. I stood there thinking 'every dad has been here.' It's like an initiation ritual. The fluorescent lights, the fear that the door won't l...
First time taking the family camping and I'm probably overthinking this way too much. Got a tent, sleeping bags, some basic stuff planned. Anyone have tips for keeping kids entertained when there's no wifi or screens? And how much food should I actually pack because I have no idea what I'm doing. My...
My 8 year old came home last week repeating stuff my ex said about me being irresponsible with money and how I don't contribute enough for their activities. I know she's angry but I'm trying so hard to be the better person and never say anything negative about her to the kids. It kills me though. Do...
This is the third time in two months she's asked to swap weekends with literally a few days notice. I get that life happens but I've got plans with the kids already booked and it messes with my work schedule. How do you guys handle this without being the bad guy? I don't want to be difficult but I a...
Been going for about 6 weeks now and I'm noticing real changes. Therapist helped me see that a lot of my stress comes from trying to be perfect all the time. Been able to say no to some stuff at work and spending more time actually playing with my kids instead of just existing in the same room. Stil...
Moved for work and now I'm 2 hours away from the kids. Their mom wants to keep them on the same school schedule but I want to see them more than just weekends. We're talking about trying a 3-2-2-3 schedule but logistics are killing us. Gas alone is gonna be insane. Has anyone made long distance co-p...
Not gonna lie, I was dreading this camping trip. Thought it would be a disaster with my 5 and 8 year old. We went for 3 days, caught some fish, made a fire, told ghost stories. The kids fell asleep before dark every night and my oldest actually put his phone down the whole time. Best weekend we've h...
So this summer I decided to finally build that treehouse my 6 year old has been asking about for two years. Spent about 6 weekends on it, watched a ton of YouTube videos, and somehow didn't kill myself. We finished it last month and watching him up there with his friends has been absolutely worth ev...