Been teaching them about saving and spending wisely since they were young. Oldest is 12 now and he turned down a $20 toy at Target because he wants to save for the gaming laptop he really wants. That kid actually understands delayed gratification. Meanwhile most kids his age are on their parents' cr...
Taught my boys that real men lead by example and don't cry about circumstances. You work hard, you show up, you do what needs doing. No excuses, no participation trophies, no safe spaces. When my oldest didn't make the team he wanted, I said okay, work harder next year. Now he puts in the work. That...
That's it. That's the win. We were at breakfast this morning and he just said it randomly. 'Daddy you're my best friend.' Made me tear up a little not gonna lie. All the long days and tough moments just feel worth it when you hear that.
My grandfather taught me that a man's word is his bond and you handle your own problems without complaints. I'm passing that down to my boys the same way he did to me. My oldest is 9 and already knows you don't make excuses, you don't lie about mistakes, and you take responsibility for your family. ...
Three days, no cell service. Was worried they'd be miserable but they actually engaged. We built a fire, told stories, fished a little. My 13yo actually talked to me without it being a negotiation. We laughed at stupid jokes. That's the parenting win right there. Reminded me why we do this whole thi...
Been teaching my kids how to fix things instead of calling someone. Changed the oil, fixed the fence, rebuilt the porch myself. They're learning that a man shouldn't be helpless in his own house. Plumbing, carpentry, basic mechanics. These aren't optional skills. This is what real self-reliance look...
Used a points system and let him cash them in for stuff he actually wants. No screaming, no consequences, just logic. He cleaned it in like 20 minutes today and seemed genuinely proud. I felt like I figured out parenting for a second. Probably won't last but I'll take the win lol.
My wife asked me last night why I don't pray out loud at dinner anymore and honestly it hit me hard. I used to be more intentional about this stuff but somewhere along the way I got lazy. I pray in my head, think that counts, but my kids don't see it. How do you guys lead spiritually when you're tir...
So I'm 38 now and my kids are 6 and 4. Before kids I was that guy who'd hit up bars Thursday through Sunday, sleep til noon, road trips whenever. Could just grab my buddies and go. Now my idea of a wild night is staying up til 11pm watching something without subtitles. Honestly? I miss the freedom s...
Finally did it. No more iPads at the dinner table and honestly it's been amazing. First week was rough, the kids complained constantly. But now we're actually talking and laughing instead of everyone being in their own world. My 7yo told jokes for 10 minutes straight last night. Why did it take me s...
I'm losing my mind. Baseball registration is 200 bucks, then you need the uniform, glove, cleats, batting gloves. Add in the tournament fees and we're pushing 1000 for a 10 week season. And that's just one kid. I played sports growing up and it was never like this. When did it become such a money gr...
Some days I wake up and the thought of getting through the whole day with the kids just feels like too much. I love them but my depression makes everything feel heavy and pointless. Getting them fed, dressed, to activities, all of it feels like I'm pushing a boulder uphill. Then I feel guilty for fe...
Got offered a senior position but it's 50-60 hour weeks during a growth period at the company. My oldest is starting soccer this fall and my youngest will be in kindergarten. The money would be nice but I already feel like I'm missing everything. Why is this so hard? Anyone take a position like this...
Started sanding down my deck last Saturday thinking it would be a quick job. Nope. Took me way longer than planned and now I'm staring at bare wood and have to stain it before it rains. Might not finish this weekend. Why do I always underestimate how long these things take? Any tips for getting stai...
Sitting at dinner last night and my oldest had his elbows on the table, talking with his mouth full. Wife didn't say anything so I quietly corrected him. Not mean about it, just reminded him how a gentleman sits. He straightened right up. So many kids these days have zero table manners. It's not abo...