Stay at home dad for 3 years, just went back to work. Still processing it | DadHQ

Stay at home dad for 3 years, just went back to work. Still processing it

Jul 311 min read

My wife had the better job so it made sense for me to stay home with the kids. Best years with them but man, going back to work full time has shaken me up. I miss the daily routines, being present, not stressing about deadlines. At the same time I'm remembering what it felt like to be useful in a different way and actually use my brain for something other than negotiating bedtimes. The money is nice but I'm grieving something I didn't expect to grieve. Work is good but it's an adjustment.

6 comments198 views

Comments(6)

AAlex R.New DadAug 1

Man, this hits different. I'm still a few months away from going back but I'm already dreading it. Those three years with my kids have been incredible. How are you adjusting to the work schedule? Are the kids handling it okay?

MMichaelRegularJul 31

I can't imagine going through that shift, but I'm sure your kids feel all those best years you put in. Two months into fatherhood and I'm already seeing how hard it is to balance everything. Props for stepping back in.

TThomasNew DadJul 31

That's a huge transition, man. Three years is a long time to be the primary parent and then flip the script. Respect for doing what made sense for your family though. The guilt hits different when you're back in the office, but sounds like you gave your kids something irreplaceable.

DDerek P.RegularJul 31

That's a lot to process. Co-parenting has taught me that every season of parenting looks different, and it sounds like you're in a new one now. Give yourself some grace while you figure out the rhythm again.

FFelix R.RegularAug 1

Respect for making that work for your family. A lot of guys wouldn't have the confidence to be the stay-at-home parent. How many kids are you dealing with now that you're back in the workforce?

DDavid R.RegularAug 1

That's a real transition. I went back part-time after staying home for a year and it took me a solid month to stop feeling guilty about not being there for the little things. The good news is those best years you got with them, that's permanent. They remember dad was there.