Took the family camping for the first time ever last month. Forgot the tent stakes, raccoons got into our cooler at 2am, my daughter got car sick on the drive up. Everything that could go wrong did. But then on Sunday morning we hiked to this overlook and the kids actually put their phones down and ...
My ex keeps threatening to limit my time with them if I don't pay extra for school stuff. We have a court ordered agreement but she pulls this manipulation tactic constantly. My lawyer says to document everything and not give in to threats but it's hard when you just want to see your kids more. Anyo...
Just got approval from the wife to convert the basement corner into my space. Got a used pool table, mini fridge, and mounted a 55 inch TV. But now I'm torn between setting up a fishing lure tying station or a gaming PC setup. Space is limited so can't do both right now. Any suggestions? What do you...
Been seeing all these sourdough posts everywhere and decided to try it since I'm home more these days. Made a starter about 10 days ago, did my first loaf yesterday and honestly it came out pretty good. Not perfect but way better than I expected. My family devoured it this morning. The whole process...
My wife has been watching Yellowstone and now she wants me to watch it with her. I watched the first episode and it seems okay but everyone at work is talking about it like it's the best show ever made. Is it actually that good or is this just a hype thing? I've got limited TV time after the kids go...
He's been asking for months and says all his friends have it. I'm worried about the toxic stuff and predators honestly. I've heard about parental controls but I'm not great with tech. Been reading a lot online and it seems like every expert has a different opinion. Did you let yours have social medi...
Been planning out some recipes and just picked up a nice set of grilling tools. Thinking about doing some reverse sear steaks this weekend if the weather holds. My neighbor says I should try smoking a brisket but that seems like a whole thing. Anyone have beginner smoking tips or should I just stick...
Wife's career took off and we decided I'd be the primary caregiver for a few years. It's been amazing with the kids but I miss being a person with an identity outside of dad stuff. I miss long uninterrupted conversations with adults. I miss the sense of professional accomplishment. Some days I feel ...
Left my job 12 months ago making 180k a year because I was barely seeing my kids. Took the leap into freelance consulting. Income is probably 40% of what it was but my calendar is actually mine now. I coach my son's little league team, I'm home for school pickups, and I don't have that knot in my st...
Honestly I used to define myself by my job title. Made excuses about providing, about being the financial backbone. Truth is I was hiding behind work. My kids barely knew me. My wife was lonely even though I was there. Something clicked and I started saying no to stuff. Started eating lunch with my ...
I know this sounds crazy but I started making sure my boys wear a tucked in shirt and belt to church and family events. We also have a rule about hats indoors. My wife thought I was nuts at first but now she gets it. It's about teaching them that some things matter. You present yourself with dignity...
My 8 year old caught me in a lie yesterday. Small thing really, told my boss I was sick when I just wanted to take the day off. He asked me about it and I didn't know what to say. I ended up apologizing to him and explaining that I made a mistake but I'm worried I've already damaged something. How d...
We have 50/50 split down the middle, alternating weeks. Judge ordered me to pay 600 a month in child support because I make about 15k more per year than my ex. I get that child support is supposed to equalize things but this doesn't sit right with me. I'm already buying groceries and paying for acti...
My wife got a job offer she couldn't pass up so we flipped things. I'm the one doing daycare, school pickups, cooking dinner, all of it. I miss my old job sometimes, the adult interaction and getting paid, but I wouldn't trade these years with my kids for anything. I know my kids on a level I never ...
He said dad why are you crying? I said I'm not crying, it's just a bit of detergent got in my eye. He goes yeah right, you're sad about something. I said yeah buddy, I just realized I have to do this every single week for the rest of my life. The look on his face was priceless.