My son has been saving his money and wants to build a gaming PC. He's into competitive shooters and streams on YouTube. Part of me gets it, he's actually pretty good, but I'm worried about him spending 6 hours a day on it instead of doing homework and being outside. I know I can't stop him but how d...
Moved from Boston to Vermont when the kids were 2 and 4 and it was supposed to be temporary. Six years later we're still here and I barely recognize myself. I was always the guy who needed restaurants and bars and noise. Now my idea of a perfect weekend is fixing the back fence and grilling for neig...
This week my ex and I did our first official custody swap and it was actually way less awkward than I feared. We kept it brief, met at the school parking lot, and just focused on the kids. She had a list of what they needed, I had notes about their week. It was professional and respectful. I know it...
Started this project with my dad when my son turned 5. We're just finishing it now that he's 8 and honestly it's been the best bonding experience. Used reclaimed wood from a barn demo and we did most of it ourselves with help from my brother. It's 12 feet up with a rope bridge and pulley system. Cos...
Went out with some buddies on Saturday night and I was exhausted by 10pm. We used to go out til 2am easy. Now I'm talking about back pain and sleep schedules like my dad does. When did this happen?
After 15 years of knowing this man, I finally understand why everyone respects him so much. He doesn't demand respect, he earns it through his actions. He's always the first to help, never throws his weight around, listens more than he talks, and admits when he's wrong. I've been trying to model tha...
My son asked what's for breakfast. I said 'Well it's either cereal or nothing because I'm not making anything else.' He didn't laugh. My wife groaned and left the room. I consider this a total success for a dad joke. 10/10 would bomb again.
Work is busy, kids need constant attention, wife is exhausted, and I just feel like nobody really knows what's going on with me. I'm putting on the strong dad face all day but honestly some days I feel like I'm barely holding it together. Anyone else deal with this? I don't even know how to talk to ...
I know I'm supposed to be strong and have everything figured out but honestly the financial pressure of supporting my family is crushing me. I worry about bills constantly, wonder if I'm doing enough, and feel like I'm not allowed to have bad days because everyone depends on me. It's exhausting. How...
Went to get milk and eggs. Came home with milk, eggs, 3 boxes of cereal my kids will forget about, snacks I don't remember picking up, and somehow a rotisserie chicken. My wife asked why everything costs so much. I just shrugged. There's something about having kids with you at the store that makes y...
This has been hitting me hard lately. My kids want to play with me and I just feel empty. I go through the motions but I'm not really present. Feel guilty as hell about it but I just don't have the energy. Been like this for a few months now and it's affecting everything. I should probably talk to m...
Had my first kid 8 months ago and I should be happy right? But I feel empty most of the time. I love my son but I don't feel it the way everyone says I should. Wife thinks something's wrong with me. Talked to my doctor and he said it could be postpartum depression or just adjusting to fatherhood. St...
My 6 year old asked me yesterday why he doesn't have a bedroom at my apartment like he does at moms house. I froze. He knows about the separation but I don't think he really understands it. His mom and I are on decent terms so at least we can try to be consistent with our messaging. What do you guys...
I'm making good money but I'm traveling every week for work and my kids barely know me. My youngest asked me last week if I lived here or somewhere else. That hit different. Had a conversation with my wife about one of us needing to step back but we can't afford for me to leave this job right now. F...
My father was checked out the whole time I was growing up. Barely knew him. Swore I'd be different and I actually followed through. It's hard sometimes because I don't have a model for this but I'm present, I listen to my kids, I tell them I'm proud of them. My 11 year old told me I'm his best frien...