Russell D.

Commented on Wife was sick all weekend so I had both kids solo

This is huge though—not the pancakes and Uno, but that you noticed you didn't have a meltdown and things got done. A lot of solo parent time is just s...

Commented on Flexible hours negotiation - what's reasonable?

Successfully negotiated this at my place - had to agree to be on email in the evenings if needed (rarely happens) but gets home by 3:15 to pick up kid...

Commented on Transition day blues

The quiet/withdrawn thing from your 7yo is them processing the transition. They're not mad at you, they're just adjusting. But yeah those goodbyes are...

Commented on Custody swap on Halloween - how do you guys handle it?

Text her something like 'Halloween is important to the kids. Can we do a split evening this year so they get both of us?' Frame it as for the kids, no...

Commented on Anyone else's partner just... different after the baby?

Ask her specifically what would feel good. Because 'intimacy' might not be what she needs right now - maybe she needs like 30 minutes alone without be...

Commented on Started therapy yesterday and I'm already dreading the next session

The "hypervigilant about parenting mistakes" thing might actually be the insight that unlocks something though. It's worth sitting with that even if i...

Commented on Sleep schedule suddenly changed at 4 months - what's happening?

Your wife has been doing the actual night wakings right? Have you been taking some of them so she can get consecutive sleep? That 2am feeding is rough...

Commented on How do you guys handle the new girlfriend/boyfriend conversation

How long has your ex been dating this guy? That matters. If it's brand new I'd probably pump the brakes on introductions. But if they've been together...

Commented on Does staying up late scrolling mean I'm depressed or just a dad

It's probably both things - you do need quiet time, AND the scrolling is messing with your sleep and mood. Your wife might be onto something. Maybe yo...

Commented on Rant: Why are kids' birthday parties so complicated now?

Pizza and cake in the backyard is genuinely what most kids actually want. The elaborate stuff is for the parents' Instagram. Your son will remember ha...