Friday nights I fire up the smoker and just zone out for like 6 hours while I'm tending it. The kids know Dad's on grill duty and I get some peace. Started experimenting with different woods and rubs. My buddy says I should sell the stuff I make but honestly it's more about the time alone and doing something I'm actually good at. Anyone else use cooking as their escape?
I get this completely. My grill time is sacred too. There's something about tending a fire and having that responsibility that just clears your head. Six hours sounds perfect. Your family probably understands more than you think - we all need our thing.
Friday night smoker sessions are underrated therapy. Just you, the fire, and some time to think. My kids have learned that dad needs his grill time just like they need their screen time. It's fair.
That's beautiful honestly. Those 6 hours are probably keeping you sane. Don't let anyone guilt you about needing that time to yourself. We all need our thing, and if yours is the smoker then own it. Your family benefits from you being in a better headspace.
Friday night smoke sessions are legit therapy. Sounds like you've got a good thing going and your family respects the boundary. That's actually a win. Just make sure that time is working for your head and not becoming a way to avoid other stuff.
Six hours on the smoker sounds absolutely perfect. That's the kind of mental reset we all need. Your family will respect that once they understand it keeps you sane.
Respect. I do the same thing but with my workshop on weekends. That time alone doing something I love is not selfish, it's necessary. Your mental health matters and your family understands that even if they don't say it out loud.
This is actually healthy stuff. Taking time for yourself makes you a better dad. My grill time is sacred too and the kids know to leave dad alone during that window.
The smoker is my happy place too. Something about the ritual of it - checking the temp, adjusting vents, tending the meat. It's meditation but with better results. Don't feel bad about protecting that time. Parents need their sanctuaries.
Sign in to join the conversation.
Honestly smoking meat for six hours is peak dad meditation. Way better than sitting on your phone. You're doing it right.