Took a job offer that meant leaving everything behind. Wife wasn't sure about it, kids didn't want to go. But here we are 3 years later and we actually know our neighbors, we have a yard, the kids ride bikes everywhere. We miss the restaurants and energy of the city sometimes. I miss my friend group...
Not going to go into detail about the drinking years but basically my kids had a ghost for a dad. Now I'm coaching soccer, helping with homework, actually remembering conversations we had. My ex was shocked when I asked about custody. My oldest told me a few months ago he was proud of me and I had t...
Promised my son I'd take him fishing every Saturday morning for a month. Had work stuff come up, could've easily made excuses. Didn't. Because my word is all I've got that really matters. Those mornings sitting on the dock aren't about the fish, they're about him knowing he can count on his dad. In ...
This past Saturday instead of our usual sports and activities, we went to help clean up at the local food bank. My 9-year-old was initially bummed about missing his game but something clicked when he was helping organize boxes. On the drive home he asked if we could do it again. Sometimes the best l...
I work around people all day, I got a wife and two kids at home, but I feel completely alone. Like nobody really knows me or gets what I'm going through. Even when I'm in the room with my family watching TV I feel isolated. It's weird and honestly kind of scary. Anyone felt like this before? Is it n...
I was the type of dad who yelled at everything. Traffic, work, my kids for minor stuff. My oldest got anxiety from it. Therapist told me I had untreated anger issues from my own childhood. Started going last year and man, it changed everything. Not gonna act like I'm perfect now but I actually think...
Been working on my garage setup for months and finally got everything dialed in. New workbench, organized tool wall, even got a little fridge and a couple chairs for when the guys come over. First project is gonna be rebuilding my old truck engine with my oldest. Can't wait to show him how to work w...
My 14 year old has basically become a couch potato. He's on his gaming PC literally from the moment school ends until I force him to bed. His grades are slipping, he never sees friends in person anymore, and when I try to limit screen time he loses his mind. Wife thinks I'm overreacting. This is tou...
Some days I feel like I'm just going through the motions. Work, kids, home, repeat. Haven't slept well in weeks. My wife says I'm being too hard on myself but I can't shake the feeling that I'm not good enough at any of it. Not crushing it at work, not present enough for the kids, tired all the time...
Some hacker got into his Instagram account and changed the password. We got it back through verification but it was like 12 hours of him panicking about his followers, his photos, all of it. Made me realize he has basically ZERO digital security awareness. So now I'm teaching him about passwords, 2...
Listen, I see all the research about screen time. But yesterday I had to take my 4yo to the DMV for 2 hours. Gave him the iPad with some shows and honestly? Best parenting decision I made that day. He was content, I got my stuff done, nobody had a meltdown. Sure I limit it most days but sometimes a ...
Started doing freelance copywriting gigs on the weekends and made $2,100 last month. Kids are finally asleep by 9pm now so I've got 2 hours to work before bed. Not huge money but it's covering the daycare increase and honestly it feels good to build something independent. Anyone else dabble in side ...
Seriously. I just sat through a 45-minute status meeting where the same info could've been in a 2-minute Slack message. That's 45 minutes less with my kids before bedtime. And I have to do this THREE times a week. My boss is not a bad guy but he loves meetings. I'm trying not to be "that guy" who co...
Medium rare, good crust, didn't burn it. My 5yo actually ate it without gagging which felt like a win. Cooked it at 450 for like 4 mins per side on a gas grill. Usually I either undercook or absolutely char everything so I'm feeling pretty good about this one. Might've been a fluke but I'm taking it...
Taking the kids on a 6-hour drive to visit grandparents next month and want something that's actually educational, not just a babysitter. We've done the usual suspects (Duolingo Kids, ABCmouse) but looking for fresh stuff. Any recommendations?