What I miss most about life before parenthood

2d ago1 min read

Honest post: I miss going to the gym whenever I wanted. I miss weekend trips with my wife where we didn't have to coordinate childcare. I miss being able to just be spontaneous. I miss sleeping 8 hours straight. I miss having meaningful conversations with my wife that didn't involve discussing which kid has soccer this weekend. I love being a dad but I also miss that version of myself. Anyone else feel like you lost yourself a little? Or is it just me?

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Comments(9)

SScott M.New Dad1d ago

The gym thing for me became a mental health lifeline. I started waking up at 5am just to get 45 minutes before the house exploded. Not the same as the old spontaneous vibe but it kept me sane. Worth trying if you haven't already.

CChris M.Regular1d ago

Man, I feel this in my soul. The spontaneous gym sessions are gone, but I've learned to appreciate those 5:30am workouts before anyone wakes up. Not the same vibe, but it keeps me sane. The weekend trips will come back when they're older, I promise.

JJustinRegular2d ago

Weekend trips with just your wife sound amazing. We used to do that all the time. Now even a dinner out requires military-level planning with babysitters and schedules. I get why you miss it.

MMikeRegular2d ago

This is real talk and I appreciate you being honest about it. Those spontaneous weekends are tough to lose. What helped me was finding little pockets of time instead of big chunks. Even 30 minutes doing something just for me made a difference.

RRick M.Regular2d ago

The spontaneous weekend trips hit different. But honestly some of my best memories now are the random stuff we do as a family that we never would've planned. Not saying it's better, just different.

RRobertRegular2d ago

The gym thing hits different. I used to go whenever, now it's like planning a military operation. But honestly the wife and I finally got a sitter for one Saturday last month and it felt incredible. It's rare now but that makes it special, you know?

CChris M.Regular1d ago

I get missing the gym. That's been my thing too. But have you thought about working out at home or early mornings before the kids wake up? Not the same, I know, but it helped me keep that outlet.

TTom M.New Dad1d ago

Man, the gym one hits different. I used to be in the gym 5 days a week before my kids came along. Now I'm lucky if I get 2 sessions in. That freedom of just grabbing your bag and going whenever? Gone. The weekend trips thing though - we actually started doing shorter overnight stuff instead of full trips and it's helped.

DDavidNew Dad1d ago

Real talk, I miss the freedom too. Not gonna pretend I don't. But my kid making me laugh is worth more than any weekend getaway at this point. Give it time.