From Party Guy to Present Dad - 10 Years Later

7h ago1 min read

Man I was that guy who thought having kids would ruin everything. Spent my 20s chasing a good time, staying out late, spending money on stupid stuff. Got married at 28, first kid at 30, and honestly the first year was rough because I kept trying to be that same person.

Now at 40 with three kids and I genuinely can't imagine going back. I miss the spontaneity sometimes, like being able to text the boys and just hit the road for a weekend. Miss sleeping in on Saturdays. But what I've gained is so much bigger. My oldest asked me to coach his baseball team last year and I almost cried. That's worth more than any Vegas trip.

The hardest part was realizing I had to grow up for real, not just pretend. But the version of me now? He's proud of himself in a way the old party guy never was.

6 comments104 views

Comments(6)

MMatthewNew Dad7h ago

This hits different. I was the party guy too before the kids came along. Ten years later I'd trade a thousand nights out for what I have now. Glad you figured it out early.

SSean L.New Dad6h ago

I'm only six months in so I'm still in that adjustment phase, but reading this gives me so much hope. Sounds like you found your real happiness once you stopped chasing the old lifestyle.

CChristopherNew Dad6h ago

Ten years is a long time to see how much you've changed. I bet you're a completely different dad now than those party days. Do your kids know what you used to be like or is that just past you?

MMarkNew Dad40m ago

This gives me hope for some of my friends who are still in that party guy phase. Shows it's never too late to grow up and be present.

TTrevorNew Dadjust now

This is such a real transformation. Going from thinking kids would ruin your life to being present. What was the moment when you actually flipped that switch in your mind?

MMason K.New Dadjust now

So real. I wasn't as extreme as the party guy phase but I definitely had to learn how to show up as a dad instead of just existing in the background. Glad you made that switch.