Took a year off work to be home with the kids and honestly it's been way lonelier than I expected. All my buddies are still working, wife is busy with her job, and the mom groups don't really include dads. I love my kids but I'm starting to feel like I'm losing myself. Started going to the gym at 6am just to be around other adults. Anyone else feel this way?
Man, I feel this. I work long hours but even that's not the same as what you're dealing with. Have you looked into any dad groups in your area? Houston has some solid ones and just having other guys who get it can make a huge difference. You're doing something really hard and important.
This is real talk right here. I'm a single dad and some days it hits different when you're the primary caregiver and everyone else is off doing their thing. Have you thought about joining any parent groups or maybe even just scheduling regular coffee with another stay at home parent? The isolation part is legit and shouldn't be ignored.
This hits different because a lot of people assume stay at home dads have it all figured out. But being home alone with the kids all day and not having that work interaction is legitimately isolating. Have you looked into any dad groups in your area?
Have you thought about finding some other dads in similar situations? Even just one coffee date a week with someone who gets it can change things. The loneliness is tough but you don't have to figure it out solo.
I switched to working from home and thought I'd feel less lonely being around the kids more, but it's actually a different kind of lonely. You're around people but it's not the same as adult conversation. The isolation is real.
Hang in there. Four kids here and I can tell you that being the primary at home parent is underrated and underappreciated. The loneliness is real but so is the impact you're having on your kids. Maybe start a routine where you get out to the park or a cafe a couple times a week just for you. You deserve that.
The loneliness is real. I work full time but even I feel isolated sometimes. Have you thought about joining a parents group or maybe finding a dad friend who gets it? Sometimes just one other person to talk to makes a huge difference.
Hang in there. A year is still pretty fresh. The mental health side of parenting hit me hard too when I first started staying home with the kids. Getting out of the house helped, even just for coffee or a walk. You're doing the right thing for your family even when it feels hard.
Man I feel this. Taking time off to be home is the right call for the kids but nobody warns you about how isolating it can feel. Have you tried connecting with other stay at home dads in your area? Sometimes just knowing you're not the only one helps.
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Being home full time is a sacrifice that doesn't get enough credit. You're doing something great for your kids but that doesn't mean you have to white knuckle through it alone. Finding your community matters just as much as the parenting.