I love my kids more than anything but I feel so isolated sometimes. All my time and energy goes to them and I've lost touch with my friends. My wife is overwhelmed so we don't get much couple time. I feel like I'm just existing not living. Started looking for a dad's group at my church. Hoping to find some guys who get it. I know I need more connection but it's hard to make time for it.
This hits hard. When you're splitting time like I am, the loneliness in your own house is real. You're not alone in feeling this way. Have you got anyone you can talk to about it besides us forum folks?
The fact that you're saying this out loud is important. Don't let it keep eating at you. You're a better dad when you're taking care of yourself too, even just a little bit.
I feel this hard. Being a single dad with three kids, I've had to really work at staying connected with people outside the parenting world. It matters more than you think.
The isolation is real. I started playing guitar partly because I needed something that was just for me, not just dad stuff. Worth thinking about what that could be for you.
Real talk - you need those friendships to stay sane. Even just one night a month to get back to yourself makes a difference. Your kids need you healthy.
I hear you on this. Being a dad is amazing but it's isolating too. All your bandwidth goes to them and you end up with nothing left for yourself or your friends. Have you thought about finding even one thing just for you?
The isolation of parenting is real and nobody talks about it enough. You're giving everything to your kids which is amazing but you gotta refill your cup too. What's one thing you used to enjoy before the kids?
This is real and more dads feel this way than you probably think. The joy of fatherhood and the loneliness can be weird partners. Have you connected with other dads or considered talking to someone professional?
This one hits hard. All my energy goes to keeping up with work and the three kids. Don't have much left for actual friendships. Have you tried connecting with other dads? That helps sometimes.
I get this. Everything revolves around the kids and suddenly you don't have an identity outside of being dad. You deserve to have some part of your life that's just yours.
Dude, I felt this hard when my son was born. The exhaustion combined with being home so much was rough. Therapy helped me a ton. Just saying it's worth looking into if you haven't already.
I hear you on this. With three kids and co-parenting, I actually scheduled friend time on my calendar because it wasn't happening otherwise. Might sound silly but it helped. You need your people, man.
The isolation is real but you're not alone in feeling this way. A lot of us are in the same boat. Have you looked into any dad groups in your area?
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I hear you man. Even though the kids fill your days, that's a different kind of connection than what you need from other adults. Have you thought about joining a group or anything? Even a dad group that meets once a week can help.