How life changed since becoming a dad. Identity shifts, things you miss, things you gained, the transformation of fatherhood.
259 threads
Used to stay at the office til 8 or 9pm working on projects. Loved that part of my job. Now I'm out the door at 5:30 like my life depends on it. Lost some of that identity as the h
Used to just get in the car and drive. Now everything needs to be planned three weeks in advance, scheduled around nap times and snack times and 'dad I have to pee' times. I miss t
Before kids I was about me. My schedule, my interests, my money, my time. It was amazing honestly. Now everything is about them and I love them so much it hurts. But sometimes at l
The day my son was born everything I thought mattered suddenly didn't. The promotion at work, the new car, the apartment in the cool neighborhood. All of it just faded like it was
Used to hit the gym five times a week, was in the best shape of my life. Now I'm lucky if I get 20 minutes on the treadmill twice a week when my wife can watch the kids. I'm heavie
Before kids I was 'the guy who had it together.' Had a sick apartment, went to concerts, dated around, had opinions about coffee beans. Now I'm the guy explaining to my 7 year old
When it was just me I'd spend two hundred bucks on a night out without thinking twice. Now I'm comparing prices on bulk diapers and calculating if we can afford the school field tr
Used to spend 2 hours at the gym 5 days a week. Had my whole identity wrapped up in being the fit guy. Now with two kids under 5 I'm lucky if I get 3 workouts in a month. My abs ar
My sister passed away 18 months ago and we took custody of her kids, ages 7 and 10. We were never planning on having kids. Our house was peaceful, our schedule was our own. Now it'
Spent 20 years as a confirmed bachelor. Had my routine, my hobbies, freedom. Met someone three years ago and suddenly I'm helping with homework, going to soccer games, dealing with
I was out 4-5 nights a week, sleeping till noon, no responsibilities. Fast forward to my daughter being born and I'm a completely different person. Can't party anymore, sleep is pr
I was that guy grinding 60+ hour weeks, always on email, missed so much. Got laid off 2 years ago and honestly it was a blessing. Now I freelance from home, make a bit less but I'm
Made the switch 8 months ago when our second was born and wife had the better job offer. I took some heat from family, especially my dad, but whatever. Miss: being able to grab lun
Just wanted to say this to someone who might get it. I was a mess in my twenties and early thirties. Couldn't keep a job, went through two failed relationships, drank every night t
I was immature, selfish, honestly kind of a jerk. Thought I had time to figure myself out. Then my ex got pregnant and I had to decide if I was going to be that guy or not. That wa
Man I can't believe how different I am now. Used to go out Thursday through Sunday, slept til noon on weekends, spent all my money on concerts and trips with the boys. Now I'm up a
I used to actually know people by their names instead of their kids' names. Now I'm that guy at soccer practice saying things like "yeah I'm Tommy's dad." Lost a lot of friendships
Used to sleep till noon on weekends, go out whenever I wanted, stay up till 2am gaming or watching movies. Now I'm up at 5 with the kids whether I want to be or not. My body clock
Before kids I'd spend hours cooking nice meals, experimenting with recipes, making everything from scratch. Now it's just me throwing chicken nuggets on a tray at 5:30pm while some
Two years ago I was 280 pounds, hadn't been to a gym in a decade, and just drank beer every night. Now I'm 210, going to the gym 4 days a week, and I haven't had a drink in 8 month