My girlfriend is staying over more and my 7 and 10 year old are starting to notice. They haven't said anything to me but I'm pretty sure their mom knows. I want to be respectful of the kids' feelings and also not walk on eggshells in my own place on my custody weeks. How have you guys handled introd...
After 8 months of back and forth with lawyers, we finally signed something both of us can live with. 50/50 split, alternating weeks, and we actually agree on major decisions. My ex and I still don't love each other but we're being civil for the kids. Feels weird saying this but I'm grateful we could...
Been thinking a lot lately about what it means to be a good father and husband when everything's changing so fast. My boys see me work hard, own my mistakes, lead by example, and put my family first. I don't do everything perfect but I show up and I do my best. That's the old-school responsibility I...
He was worried all week about tryouts, kept saying he wasn't good enough compared to the other kids. We went to batting practice a few extra times and just talked about doing his best. Coach just called and he made the team. The look on his face when I told him was everything. Proud doesn't even cov...
Been putting this off for like two years. Spent Saturday and Sunday sorting through all the junk, got some heavy duty shelving units, and now I can actually park my car in there. The kids helped which meant mostly they got in the way but at least they felt included. Found some old tools from my dad ...
I've been working from home for the past 18 months and my company just mandated everyone back 3 days a week. My youngest just started preschool and my wife works too so childcare logistics are becoming a nightmare. Plus I kind of got used to having lunch with my kids and being home when they get bac...
My 12 year old is on fortnite every single day after school. Says everyone at school plays and he'll be left out if he doesn't. I set a 1 hour limit but he fights me on it constantly. Anyone else dealing with this? How do you handle the social pressure angle of it all? I don't want him isolated but ...
Got out to the lake for the first time in months this weekend. Kids are old enough now that I can actually go by myself for a few hours and my wife doesn't think I'm abandoning her. Caught a nice 5 pounder on a topwater lure right at sunrise. That peaceful quiet on the water is therapy. Worth every ...
Not even joking. I set up screen time limits and my 11 year old figured out how to bypass them. He's been playing Fortnite way more than he should. I should probably be impressed by the problem solving but I'm mostly just annoyed. Any advice on actually keeping these controls locked down?
My 13 year old is getting pretty deep into gaming. It's all he wants to do after school. I've tried talking to him about balance but it just turns into a fight. He says all his friends play constantly too. How do I know if this is normal teen stuff or actually a problem? When did games become so add...
I've got a 5 year old and an 8 year old and for like two hours today they just played Mario Kart together and actually had fun. No screaming, no controller throwing, no tattling on each other. They were just laughing and being brothers. My wife asked me what I did different and honestly I have no id...
My 7 year old came back from his mom's place and told me she let him stay up till 10pm on a school night. When he's with me I've got a 9pm bedtime and he actually listens. But now he keeps asking why the rules are different. I brought it up with his mom and she said "he doesn't have school the next ...
Been doing pretty good for like 6 months but the last few weeks the anxiety has been creeping back in. Racing thoughts at night, that weird chest tightness, avoiding calling people. I thought I was past this. Anyone else have cycles where it comes back? Makes me feel like I failed or something. Star...
Got my smoker cleaned out and ready to go. Planning to do a brisket this Saturday and inviting some guys over. There's something about smoking meat that just makes me feel like a normal human again. Not just dad mode, not just work mode. Just grilling. Anyone else have that one hobby that just reset...
This might sound stupid but I'm surrounded by my family all the time and still feel lonely. I think it's because my wife and I don't really talk anymore beyond logistics. My friends have all gotten busy with their own stuff. I love my kids but I feel disconnected from adults. Anyone else feel this w...