Still Adjusting to Being the 'Fun Dad' Instead of Cool Guy

Aug 9·1 min read

Got married, had kids, and somewhere along the way I went from being the guy my friends wanted to hang out with to being the dad doing the Dad Laugh at his own jokes. Lost touch with most of my old friend group because they still do the party scene and I'm home by 9. Gained an actual sense of purpose and a family that depends on me. Miss the spontaneity sometimes. Gained stability and real friendships with other dads who get it. It's a trade off.

5 comments206 views

Comments(5)

FFelix R.RegularAug 9

Dude, being the fun dad is way better than trying to stay cool. My son thinks sandcastle engineering is the coolest thing I do now, so embrace it.

DDustin P.RegularAug 9

The dad laugh is a rite of passage, brother. I stopped fighting it years ago and now my kids actually laugh at my jokes, so it's a win.

CCarlosRegularAug 9

You're not losing anything though. You're just redirecting that energy into being awesome at something that actually matters. The kids won't remember you being cool but they'll remember you being there.

VVincentRegularAug 9

The transition is real but honestly being the 'fun dad' is way better than whatever we were doing before. My kids think I'm hilarious when I do dad jokes. That's all the cool points I need.

DDanielExperiencedAug 10

I feel this in my bones. Used to be the guy coordinating the road trips and now I'm genuinely excited about firepit Friday nights with s'mores. Still cool, just different kind of cool.