Got the new pool table in last weekend and oh man it feels good to have a space that's just mine. Nothing crazy, just a pool table, some bar stools, a mini fridge, and a big TV for the games. My son already wants to learn how to play which is awesome. The hardest part was convincing my wife I needed...
Thinking about taking the kids out to the lake next month. Haven't fished seriously in like 10 years but I miss it. Don't want to spend a ton on new gear since I'm rusty. What's a good beginner friendly setup that won't break the bank? Live in the midwest if that matters for what fish are actually a...
We're trying to work out child support without going back to court because it would cost a fortune. But every number I propose she says it's not enough. I make decent money but I also have bills, a car payment, and she's got the house equity from when we split assets. My lawyer says I should offer X...
My 4 year old watches YouTube Kids for maybe 45 minutes a day while I make dinner or do laundry. It's all stuff like Bluey and educational channels. The app is supposed to be curated and safe but every time I see him on there I get anxious that somehow he's gonna see something weird. Anyone else dea...
Taking 3 days off work next month to hit some courses with the boys. Looking for somewhere within 4-5 hour drive from Chicago with decent courses and maybe some good restaurants nearby. Price isn't the biggest deal but would like to keep it reasonable. Anyone done a golf trip recently? What did you ...
Been working on adding a deck to the back of the house all summer. Dug holes, set posts, laid boards, built railings. It's done. Took way longer than I thought it would and I spent way more money than I budgeted but it looks solid. Family had our first dinner out there last night. Totally worth it. ...
Finally cleared out the garage and built myself a proper workbench. Just reclaimed wood, 2x4s, some steel brackets I found online. Took me 6 weekends but it's solid. Now I actually have a space to work on projects instead of doing everything on the driveway. Kids think it's cool watching dad build s...
Three years ago I thought my life was over. Married 12 years, two kids, and the marriage just wasn't working anymore. We split custody 50/50. Had to move to a smaller place, had to figure out single parenting, the whole thing was brutal. What I didn't expect was how much better I'd get to know my ki...
Had a situation at work where my boss wanted me to cut corners on a project that could affect customer safety. I respectfully told him I couldn't do it and that we needed to do it right. Cost me a promotion and honestly might cost me the job, but I sleep fine at night. My kids are watching how I han...
Realized I was controlling every aspect of my kids' lives and they were becoming anxious wrecks. Started backing off, letting them make mistakes, letting them be bored sometimes. It's uncomfortable as hell because my anxiety goes crazy but they're becoming actual people with interests and opinions i...
His fifth grade class is going on a field trip and I'm thinking about getting him a basic phone just for safety/communication. Not a smartphone, just something to call or text from. Wife thinks he's too young. The other parents at school seem split. I want him to have some independence but also know...
Finally bit the bullet and found a therapist after my wife basically gave me an ultimatum. I was depressed for so long I didn't even realize how much it was affecting my mood and family life. Three sessions in and I'm already noticing small changes. Anyone else find that just committing to showing u...
My oldest is 9 and I'm starting to really focus on character building. Teaching him to open doors, look people in the eye, keep his word, and treat women with respect. My wife thinks I'm old fashioned but I think these things matter. Standing up straight, handshake that's firm but not crushing, sayi...
I know I should feel grateful for having a job but some days I wake up with this crushing anxiety about money. What if I lose my job? What if it's not enough? What if I'm failing my family? Been getting worse the past few months and I don't really have anyone to talk to about it. Is this normal or a...
Was helping him fix his skateboard and I made some dumb joke about it being radical or whatever. He actually laughed instead of groaning. His friends were over and one of them said 'your dad's actually cool.' I'm going to ride this high for at least a month.