Looking to take my kids camping this fall and want somewhere that's not too far from the city. We're thinking 2-3 days, nothing too crazy. My oldest wants to catch fish and the younger one just wants s'mores basically. Would prefer somewhere with decent trails but nothing extreme. State parks are fi...
So my ex is supposed to have the kids every other weekend but she's been pushing me to take them extra days constantly. I don't mind helping out but she's making it impossible to plan anything. Last month she asked me to keep them 3 extra days without notice. I told her no this time and now she's ma...
Been wanting to do a full brisket for like 2 years and finally did it last Saturday. Started at 6am, smoke going until about 6pm. Wrapped it in butcher paper halfway through and let it rest for an hour. Sliced it up and it was so tender. The family went crazy for it. Took forever but totally worth i...
Two years ago I was married, working 60 hours a week, barely seeing my kids. Now I have them 50 percent of the time and work 45 hours. The money is tighter and I'm busier than ever, but I actually know my kids now. I know what their favorite foods are, their friend drama, their dreams. I miss the fi...
He's been playing for like two months and actually improving. Today during the game he got a loose ball, kept his composure, and scored. The whole sideline was screaming but what got me was how HE reacted - just pure joy. He ran back to his teammates like it was the World Cup final. I teared up a li...
Not a professional athlete or a celebrity or a superhero. Just like me. I'm literally just a guy with a job and a family. But he said he wants to be a dad who builds things and goes to work and comes home and plays with his kids. I had to excuse myself and cry in the garage for a minute. Peak dad mo...
Been working with my 8 year old on his handshake. Firm grip, eye contact, say your name clear. My dad taught me this way and I never forgot it. Saw him shake hands with his coach yesterday and the coach actually commented on it. That's the kind of thing that sticks with people. Not trying to brag bu...
Trying to raise my two boys right in this world. They see me opening doors for their mom, helping without being asked, speaking to her with respect even when we disagree. I want them to understand that being strong and being respectful aren't opposites. A real man takes care of the people around him...
Reading to my boys before bed and my oldest just leaned his head on my shoulder while I was reading. His little brother was already out. Just sitting there in the lamp light, his weight against me, listening to the story. Didn't want the moment to end. These are the moments you hear about but don't ...
Dude. MY SON SCORED A GOAL. He's been playing for 2 months and was honestly pretty shy about the whole thing. Today he got the ball and just went for it and scored. The celebration was hilarious, he didn't even know what to do with himself. I've never been more proud of anything in my life. Already ...
Told her I was reading a book about anti-gravity. She didn't even look up from her phone. I said 'it's impossible to put down' and she actually threw a pillow at me. I'll take it as a win. She acknowledged I exist.
We've been at this for like 6 weeks. Every single day I'd show him the bunny ears method and he'd just look confused. This morning something clicked and he did it three times in a row without help. He's so proud of himself and honestly I'm just as proud. No more velcro shoes in this house.
Came home from work and he had made a card with crayon drawings of us doing all these things together. Pizza, baseball, riding bikes. Inside it just said "Youre the best dad ever." Spelling error and all, I literally have it framed on my desk. Don't even care if nobody understands what the drawings ...
Been putting this off for like 6 months. My 8 year old asked why I never fix anything and it hurt but also lit a fire under me. Spent 20 minutes on YouTube and banged it out this morning. He watched the whole time and when the drip stopped he was like 'dad you're a superhero'. I'll take it.
Called in and told my boss I needed a mental health day. Felt guilty about it but I was just completely burnt out and couldn't face another meeting. Spent the day at home, went for a walk, played some guitar, did some breathing exercises my therapist taught me. Feeling so much better now. I think I ...