Taking my wife and our two kids (6 and 8) camping next month for the first time. We're only doing one night at a local state park to keep it simple. What gear do I actually need vs what's just nice to have? I've got a decent tent and sleeping bags already. Should I invest in a camping stove or just ...

My 5 year old walks up to me while I'm reading the instructions for some furniture and asks 'Dad why are you reading that? You're supposed to just build it and if it wobbles duct tape it.' Out of the mouths of babes. He's got me figured out already.

At my daughter's soccer game the coach was explaining the new positions to the kids. He said "okay so we're going to rotate everyone through midfield." Without thinking I go "sounds like they're going to have a real revolving door situation." The other dads lost it. My daughter looked embarrassed bu...

I try to get out to the lake at least twice a month, just me and my truck. Nothing serious, usually don't catch much. But something about being on the water early in the morning where it's quiet and I'm not thinking about bills or work or if I'm screwing up as a dad helps me reset. My wife gets it n...

Some days I'm convinced I'm messing up my kids. I yell more than I want to, I'm tired all the time, I sometimes feel like I'm not present enough. My anxiety convinces me they'd be better off without me which I know isn't rational. Been considering therapy but not sure what to even say to a therapist...

We've been using this co-parenting communication app but my ex keeps texting me directly about pickup times and money stuff. I read that courts prefer documented communication so I keep trying to redirect everything to the app. She thinks I'm being petty but I'm just trying to protect myself. Anyone...

I put time limits on my 13 year old's phone using Apple's built in controls. Caught him using his friend's iPad to play games when his own phone locked. He's also figured out how to restart his phone and it bypasses some stuff. At what point do I just trust him? Or should I go full nuclear with more...

Had the whole weekend planned with baseball games and yard work but looks like thunderstorms moving in. Got two boys ages 6 and 10 stuck inside. We've already done board games, Legos, and one movie. What do you guys do when plans fall through? Need to survive until at least 6pm without losing my min...

This might sound small but I'm celebrating it anyway. Walked past their room today and both kids had actually cleaned it up. No nagging, no threats of losing screen time, nothing. Just did it. My 6 year old even made his bed. I feel like we've finally turned a corner with this stuff.

This is tough to admit but lately when we do stuff as a family I just feel numb. We went to the fair last weekend and my kids were having the best time, laughing and excited, and I just felt empty the whole time. My wife noticed I wasn't really there. I've struggled with depression on and off but th...

Been having a rough few weeks at work and honestly feeling like I'm failing at this dad thing. My 8 year old came up to me today while I was sitting on the couch and said out of nowhere 'Dad you're my favorite parent.' My wife heard and laughed and I literally almost teared up. Best moment I've had ...

I was at the grocery store last week and caught myself opening the door for my wife like always. Some younger guy behind us actually made a comment under his breath that it was outdated. My wife squeezed my arm and smiled at him. Been married 16 years and I'll keep doing it till I can't move my legs...

Used to be that guy checking emails at 11pm, missing soccer games for conference calls, telling myself I was doing it for the family. Reality hit when my 6 year old asked why daddy's always sad when he's home. That broke me. Quit the corporate job, took a step back, and yeah the money's different bu...

I know this sounds like nothing to some people but my boy has been struggling with this for months. Been practicing with him every day and today he just did it. Tied an actual bow. He was so proud of himself and I was almost tearing up. These little wins hit different when you're a parent.

My oldest is getting to the age where he wants independence and privacy. I've been using Life360 to know where he is but he found out and is furious. Says I don't trust him. But he's 12 and goes to friends houses after school and I like knowing he's actually where he says he is. Am I being overprote...