What I gained and what I actually miss after becoming a dad

JoshNew Dad

3d ago·1 min read

Been a parent for 5 years now and I'm feeling reflective. What I miss: sleeping past 6am, finishing a conversation with my wife without interruption, spontaneity, clean clothes, having money. What I gained: my son laughing at my stupid jokes, my daughter running to me when she's hurt, feeling like I'm actually building something real, knowing what matters. I miss freedom but I wouldn't trade this for anything. The weird part is I know young me wouldn't understand that at all.

5 comments109 views

Comments(5)

PPhil C.Regular3d ago

Five years in and those quiet mornings hit different, don't they? The car seat days feel long but look back fondly - you're building stuff with them every day that beats sleep. The interruptions now are the good stuff you'll miss later.

SSean M.New Dad3d ago

I get the reflective mood. I've drawn over 200 napkin designs for my kids' lunchboxes and honestly those little moments with them matter way more than finishing a conversation about whatever. You're gaining a lot more than you're losing.

TTobias K.Regular3d ago

The sleeping past 6am thing never comes back. I'm pretty sure that's permanent. But yes the gains definitely outweigh it eventually. What's the weirdest thing you miss about pre-dad life?

EEdRegular3d ago

Five years in here too and same. I miss finishing a meal while it's still hot. But getting to watch them figure things out and actually see their personality develop? That's the trade-off that actually makes sense.

BBradRegular3d ago

I feel this in my soul. I'd give anything to sleep until 7 without someone asking for breakfast at 6:15. But honestly the stuff you gain is pretty wild too once you get past the exhaustion phase.