Travel schedule just got cut in half - how do I actually use this time with my kids?

Dec 311 min read

So my role got restructured and suddenly I'm down from 2 weeks/month on the road to just 1. It sounds amazing in theory but now I'm home more and... I don't know what to do with myself? Like, I don't want to just be a paycheck that shows up for dinner. My kids (7 and 10) don't really want to hang with dad, they want to do their own thing. I feel like I'm awkwardly trying to insert myself into their routines. Do you guys have this problem? Or am I just overthinking it and should just... exist in the same space and let things happen naturally?

6 comments122 views

Comments(6)

MMatt S.RegularDec 31

How old are your kids? That might help figure out what actually works. My 5 year old is happy with backyard time and drawing but my 9 year old wants more structured stuff.

OOscar D.RegularDec 31

One suggestion: use at least one of those weeks off for something you can do consistently. Like we started doing Saturday morning bike rides and now it's become our thing. Creates an anchor point.

KKennethNew DadJan 1

This is amazing, congratulations on the restructure. One thing I'd suggest is blocking out specific days or half days instead of trying to cram it all in. Like maybe you commit to early pickup on Thursdays or something. Makes it consistent for the kids too.

KKurt D.RegularJan 1

This is the dream scenario honestly. You got the work-life balance other people are fighting for. Just take it one week at a time and see what feels right.

JJason T.RegularJan 3

That's huge. My advice would be to not overplan it. Just because you have more time doesn't mean you need to fill it with activities. Some of my best time with my kids is just being home doing normal stuff together.

AAustin K.New DadJan 3

Honestly just use it to be present. Don't try to be the activity guy every day or you'll burn out. Some weeks we do bigger stuff, other weeks it's just afternoon snacks and listening to what happened at school.