Reminiscing on the joys of youth, it’s not uncommon for dads to feel a certain nostalgia for times past, reflecting that they’ve lost a freedom to indulge in their passions since having children. Obviously, children bring their own unique and wonderful freedom and energy into life, but if you’re one of those dads that fancy recapturing little tastes of that freedom, this article outlines four easy ways to bring your own passions and interests back into your life alongside the pressures and wonders of fathering your offspring.
Find a Little Privacy
TV shows, films and popular myth tell of secret lairs in which men with children find time for themselves – whether it be a shed full of DIY kit, a cellar converted into a bar, or even the confines of your car on a pleasant drive. Between work, household chores and keeping up with the kids, there’s also an important section of time you should devote just to yourself, indulging in the little things that keep you being you – whether that’s painting models, coding websites, or watching your football team with a couple of cold ones.
Update Your Habits
Some habits from youth are best discarded or adapted when you become a father. If you smoke, check out the e-cigarette options at Mt Baker Vape so you don’t smell of tobacco wherever you go; if you enjoy a drink, take this outside the house with friends so that your children never see you under the influence. Whatever the habit, it’s also best to scale it down and moderate – it’ll still be a treat and a moment of escape, but as a father, you’ll need to build some responsibility into your life with your children.
Introduce Your Kids to Your Passions
Every father wants to build bonds with their children – things you have in common that you both enjoy and get something from. These mutual hobbies will last into your kids’ adolescence and adulthood, remaining something you both indulge in together throughout your lives. Of course, this is dependent on your passions – perhaps you love your local sports teams, you practice art, you’re into folk music, or you love tennis – whatever you enjoyed doing in your youth, you’re perfectly able to build into your parenting life with the added benefit of getting your kids into it too.
Take Your Family Away
There is nothing quite like organizing a stress-busting get-away for your family – booking time off work and school, getting your affairs in order, and flying out to somewhere special to spend quality time with your nearest and dearest. If you have some disposable income, this is where it should be disposed of – you’ll introduce your children to new and fabulous locations, increase the romance in your relationship, and be able to indulge in the things you miss at home, like good food, relaxation time, and exciting newness!
The responsibilities of being a dad can sometimes threaten to eclipse the little indulgences that can make life so full of joy; hopefully, these tips will serve as pointers to building in your own enjoyment into fathering your children.