From Weekend Warrior to Full Time Dad - 2 Years In

2w ago1 min read

Man, I don't even recognize the guy I was before my kids were born. I was that dude who'd wake up at 6am on Saturday to hit the gym, then grab beers with the guys until midnight. Had this whole identity wrapped up in being the "fun" friend who was always down for whatever.

Now? I'm the dad who gets excited about a full 6 hours of sleep. My idea of a crazy night is staying up until 10pm to watch a show while folding laundry. What's wild is I don't actually miss it. Like, I thought I would resent losing that freedom but honestly the highs now are just different. Watching my 4 year old figure out how to ride a bike without training wheels hit different than any night out ever did.

Miss my old crew though. They've definitely drifted. Don't get invited to stuff as much since I can't just drop everything anymore.

6 comments145 views

Comments(6)

PPedroRegular2w ago

The identity shift is wild. I went from spontaneous weekend trips to planning bathroom breaks around nap schedules. Honestly though, sounds like you made peace with it which is huge.

BBrandonNew Dad2w ago

That shift in what matters is real, man. I'm only a few months in but I already feel it. Your priorities just completely flip when you've got kids.

JJosh M.Regular2w ago

Two years and you're still figuring out who you are now, and that's exactly right. Parenting rewires you in ways you don't expect. Sounds like you've landed in a good place.

BBrandonNew Dad2w ago

The gym and beers can wait. Nothing beats being the dad your kids actually get to have around. Sounds like you found something way better than weekend warrior status.

KKyleNew Dad2w ago

That's real talk right there. I'm still figuring out who I am as a dad versus who I was before. Some days I miss the old version, but then my son does something that makes me realize this version is way better.

PPhilRegular2w ago

Dude, same. Two years ago I was at the gym 5 days a week, had my whole weekend planned around trail runs and climbing. Now I'm just trying to remember if I showered this week. Not complaining though - my kids are worth every missed workout.