First couple weeks with my newborn- “This isn’t so bad!”
Weeks 3-5 - “I’m living in Hell”
Weeks 3-5 - “I’m living in Hell”
Who else has kids?
- Thread starter hootyhoogoknights
- Start date
I’ve got a 9 yr old girl, 7 and 4 year old boys...Haha, you’ve got a long way to go there young partna! And here’s the answer to it all....it doesn’t stop!
BackLash
Poster
First of all, congrats! Its a game changer once they finally start sleeping through the night. Sleep deprivation does weird things to you.
Huskers2008
Poster
Here...we have a starting basketball lineup.
Oklahoma
Poster
It’s the best. When you are on your death bed, you will think what could I have done differently to make the most of my life with my kids. You are at the starting line of the race with every opportunity not to waste any time with them. Appreciate the responsibility and do not begrudge the inconveniences.
I have a son who’s 20 and a daughter who’s 17. The only advice I can give is don’t sweat the small stuff, and a lot of the things are small stuff. And spend as much time as possible with them. At some point you’ll look back and wonder where all the time has gone.
SamuraiFred
Poster
7 year old boy. 5 year old girl and 1 year old boy . I’m 42 ...it’s a blast. Don’t believe that bullshit about them keeping you young
Man, I was 32 when my daughter was born and I felt too old for it at that time.
Three kids in their early 30’s. Can finally enjoy it.
It will get better. Its definitely an adjustment on the first one though. Going from a couple with not too many cares in the world, to having a child that relies on your 24 hours a day is a major shift.
My advice would be to just try to enjoy each stage. There are good and bad parts about every age, so try to avoid looking too much into the future because you'll miss out on the present.
Good luck brother, and God bless you and your new family.
IMAREBL cuzrivalsucks
Poster
I’ve got a 26 y/o daughter and 19 and 17 y/o boys. Give them room to make mistakes so they can taste failure and get a dislike of it. Also teach them manners and respect for women and the elderly. Don’t hesitate to spank them when they do wrong BUT make sure to explain why they got a spanking and most importantly hug them up and tell them you love them after the explanation.
Last but not least do not let them play you against your wife. I always told mine that I knew my wife before I knew them and they would always be after her. When they did play her against me I tore that butt up
I think my daughter read this post last night. She’s been really fussy during the day but had been a decent sleeper at night until the last few nights. Slept for two different three hour stretches last night though so maybe we’re turning a corner here
RHT 3
Elite
My advice is make them go to bed early. Like 6pm. They will follow this sleep pattern and you get a couple hours every night to decompress and relax.
My son is now 10 and he's a nut job. Makes me laugh from the sheer stupidity of his antics. Loves football and I am slowly shaping him into the next Steve Young.
But they get mouthy ........
My son is now 10 and he's a nut job. Makes me laugh from the sheer stupidity of his antics. Loves football and I am slowly shaping him into the next Steve Young.
But they get mouthy ........
Peach-head
Poster
Two boys. 9 and 5, and one girl, 10 months.
Two girls, 13 and 8.
Tidbits:
Tidbits:
- If you didn't know already, their lives dictate yours. But, try to break away at times and focus on your wife some too.
- I would have had my kids closer together in age. 2-3 years apart.
- Daycare sucks. Get a daytime nanny, stay home, or stay at home mom. My youngest had a nanny, and is much more well adjusted.
- Don't helicopter. Let them figure things out on their own, they will always learn better that way.
- Don't eat off their plate, those pounds don't come off as easily as you get older.
- Get a dog, they help create family together time.
- Read to them every day. Have a bookshelf with 100s of options. Dr. Seuss is the best.
- Always be consistent, don't cave on something because it is easier.
- It is very important to create a routine...as they get older, break it for fun stuff.
- Don't lie to them. They have way better memory than you do, or will in the future.
Oklahoma
Poster
My boys asked if me and their mom would ever get a divorce. I said “no, we are just going to fight forever.” We were at my mother in laws talking about divorce and I said “tell grandma what I said about divorce.” They said “dad said if he gets a divorce he is never getting remarried, he will just have a hundred girlfriends.”
I had forgotten I had told them that little gem as well.
I had forgotten I had told them that little gem as well.
24, 21 and 20 year old boys and a 22 year old daughter.
I couldn’t imagine life without them. Lots of good wisdom in this thread.
1) If you have a job or career that will cause you to miss greater than 25% of their events quit now and find a new job. They will never forget seeing your face in the stands or the auditorium.
2) Messy Bed, Messy Head and expect them to have a clean room. I feel like it gave my kids some self respect.
3) 1-2 family vacations every year even if they are staycations. When they get older it’s all they talk about.
4) Around middle school age if they are hanging out with kids that don’t like their parents try to move them away from that influence.
5) Always give your kids two options when you get into a disagreement. Most of the time they just want to make the decision. Don’t tell them both options benefit you.
6) This one is hard.....It’s your job to raise your kids and invest your time into your family. Don’t allow your wife, gay husband, parents or in-laws to take priority over your own family. It’s good to plan to visit family, but there comes a time you don’t visit parents they should come visit you.
7) At 15 your kids get two options. One be involved in activities at school or two get a job. Do not raise a lazy piece of shit. Force them to be active in the community working or at school.
8) First car needs to be a safe inexpensive car. They won’t appreciate a nice one until they have driven a not so nice one.
9) Never bash the other parent in front of your kids. They take it personal because half of them is the other parent. If you get divorced definitely do not do this...If you do you will not like the rewards they return back to you.
10) Live in the moment and put the phone down. I was horrible at this and regret it. I’m making up for it now.
11) If you have a child make sure you bring a second one into their life. They deserve a best friend.
12) Raise your kids to defend each other at all costs. Punish the snitch, you won’t like the secrets they keep, but you will love the bond you create.
13) Love them the hardest when they are at their worst and challenge them the most when at their best.
Best of luck OP!!
I couldn’t imagine life without them. Lots of good wisdom in this thread.
1) If you have a job or career that will cause you to miss greater than 25% of their events quit now and find a new job. They will never forget seeing your face in the stands or the auditorium.
2) Messy Bed, Messy Head and expect them to have a clean room. I feel like it gave my kids some self respect.
3) 1-2 family vacations every year even if they are staycations. When they get older it’s all they talk about.
4) Around middle school age if they are hanging out with kids that don’t like their parents try to move them away from that influence.
5) Always give your kids two options when you get into a disagreement. Most of the time they just want to make the decision. Don’t tell them both options benefit you.
6) This one is hard.....It’s your job to raise your kids and invest your time into your family. Don’t allow your wife, gay husband, parents or in-laws to take priority over your own family. It’s good to plan to visit family, but there comes a time you don’t visit parents they should come visit you.
7) At 15 your kids get two options. One be involved in activities at school or two get a job. Do not raise a lazy piece of shit. Force them to be active in the community working or at school.
8) First car needs to be a safe inexpensive car. They won’t appreciate a nice one until they have driven a not so nice one.
9) Never bash the other parent in front of your kids. They take it personal because half of them is the other parent. If you get divorced definitely do not do this...If you do you will not like the rewards they return back to you.
10) Live in the moment and put the phone down. I was horrible at this and regret it. I’m making up for it now.
11) If you have a child make sure you bring a second one into their life. They deserve a best friend.
12) Raise your kids to defend each other at all costs. Punish the snitch, you won’t like the secrets they keep, but you will love the bond you create.
13) Love them the hardest when they are at their worst and challenge them the most when at their best.
Best of luck OP!!
Girls ages 12 and 10 and Boys ages 9 and 7
Hang in there with the newborns. The no sleep thing will really get to you after a couple weeks / months. Everyone is irritable and it kinda sucks. We usually did sleep training around 3 months and things got better pretty quick.
Best of luck to you!
Hang in there with the newborns. The no sleep thing will really get to you after a couple weeks / months. Everyone is irritable and it kinda sucks. We usually did sleep training around 3 months and things got better pretty quick.
Best of luck to you!
I've blocked out those first three months. Sleep issues suck. Don't feel bad with allowing them in your bed for some period of time, especially if nursing. Just set a finite time frame to return them to their own bed, or you will have a damn 5 yo sleeping like an H across your bed.
Highwayman35
Poster
First child (girl) turns 1 on Sunday. Jumped in the Fraggle thread about 2 months before she was born. Haven't slept in a year. Feel like I'm doing a pretty good job at the dad thing but need to be a better husband. I'm so tired. (Not of wife). Just in general. So physically tired. And running hot with a short fuse.
Good thread. Appreciate responses with wisdom. Was "whining" to my dad and he said, "Hey man...I've been through the wars. You'll be fine." Watching he and mom become grandparents (to my child...sister has 3 boys) has been as touching as becoming a dad.
Good thread. Appreciate responses with wisdom. Was "whining" to my dad and he said, "Hey man...I've been through the wars. You'll be fine." Watching he and mom become grandparents (to my child...sister has 3 boys) has been as touching as becoming a dad.
Rushie
Poster
LOL......How'd that go over?
2 year old daughter. My one and only. She was 10 weeks early, born at 2lbs 11oz. Her mom had severe preeclampsia, and was in the hospital for 23 days before they finally took the baby. Lucky she wasn't 13 weeks early. Here she is today, and she is the best thing in my life. This was her 2nd birthday party.
3rd Leg Greg
Poster
We have 11 year old boy/girl twins. As many have said, best thing to ever happen to me.
Also don’t care what anyone says, multiples are just on a different level of difficulty especially newborns.
Nope. Best decision I've ever made! This thread just reinforces that decision.
IMAREBL cuzrivalsucks
Poster
Nope get a cradle and put it beside your bed. Under no circumstances should you allow your kid in your bed. If they have issues at two or three figure it out without letting them in your bed. I’d suggest a rocking chair in their room to sit and rock them to sleep
Well that seems odd. My daughter loves to nap on my side of the bed while her mom naps. Can't do anything younger than 2, though. They need to be old enough and big enough to let you know if you roll over on them.
IMAREBL cuzrivalsucks
Poster
I’m telling you don’t let them in your bed it’s a chore to stop them when they’re too old to be there. Make them nap in their room
