How have kids changed your life?

Just reminiscing tonight with some friends about riding motorcycles. I spent the better part of fifteen years riding bikes. Before that it was dirt bikes. Their was also a lot of heavy drinking in those years. My son is now turning seven and I have a three year old daughter. I gave up the bikes shortly after my son was born. Partly because I did not have as much time anymore. But mostly due to wanting to be around to support him growing up. I also gave up heavy drinking and tobacco.

What are some of your experiences with life changes after having children?

 

It definately change your life, but there is nothing that I gave up that would be worth more than the kids.
I was never a party animal and did not have any serious specific hobbies, so I did not have to change as much as some other people like OP, but there was still change.

 

Tell you what its a better life that's for sure. Just get the old nagging every now and again to be a little wild.

 

It gave me a reason to quit drinking and smoking. I miss being stupid and reckless sometimes, but sitting home with this is better than a night in the drunk tank.

 

Man I have a 2 year old daughter and one more on the way. I can't tell you how truly happy I am to just get home and see her run up and give me a hug. It's a total game changer. I went from spending all my money on toys to spending all of it on her. I've told my wife that when they are old enough I will spend a fortune on outdoor gear for them to come backpacking with me. I can't tell you how much she has changed me from a self centered asshole to a more loving and patient person.

Oh and two daughters is the perfect excuse to stockpile weapons and ammo for the teenage years haha

 

Awesome!!!!!

 

My son is just getting to the point where he can keep up on long hikes. Spend some time with him in the white mnts this summer he did great!

 

All I am going to add to this thread is this....Enjoy your kids while they are young. They grow up very fast. It seems like they are here one day and grown the next.

 

Mine taught me the meaning of commitment when I couldnt stick to much of anything else.

 

I gave up an awesome body and traded my brown hair for some grey. No really, I need to get back in shape.

 

^^ x1000

mine just turned 17 and is a senior in high school now. It seems like just yesterday he was heading off for kindergarten on the bus, now he hops in his car and heads off for school/work/God knows what. I swear it feels like it happened overnight.

It's different too, I was a dad at 20, some of my friends didn't have their first until they were 32-33. For me I grew up fast, but it was good for me. I stopped a lot of stupid things I was into and put me on the right path. I wouldn't trade it for the world, although I would like some of the sleep I missed back now.


Great thread idea too!

 

HAHA don't we all!! Got that mid thirties soft middle myself. Funny thing is I do a lot less sitting around than I did in my 20's and I even get out on the trails running when I get a chance.

 

My girls are 3 and 4. They have been a true test of my patience, but it is completely worth it. I also gave up motorcycle riding, because of less time for it, but also because I want to be there for them.

 

I gave up motorcycles, in my area i cant go more than a day with out hearing a fatal motorcycle wreck on the news.

 

My three year old daughter is a huge test of patience. The boy was so easy, laid back, always happy. We really thought we had this parenting thing down. Then along came the Honey Badger (because Honey Badger don't care!).

 

no time, no money, no sleep... would do it all over again. All of my 3 year old's doctors has said they have never met such a difficult kid..... She probably took 10 year off my life in the past 3 years. My 9 month old son is the complete opposite, such a chill and relax kid...

 

I now have pictures in my wallet where my money used to be.
But seriously having kids stopped me from drinking and brought me a great family life.

 

My daughter is 17 now, and I reflect back on what life used to be without her often, which was kind of random and unguided. She gave me purpose and focus. My wife and I were not sure we wanted to have children when we got married, an we had long discussions about it. I am glad we changed our minds. Sadly, as a veteran teacher I have seen hundreds of students whose parents treat their children as an annoyance, a hazard of sex, a burden. Those children deserve better.

 

I married into kids. I barely did the diaper thing. Had to teach stepson how to wipe himself. After one good one he said I wipex too hawd and he did it himself after that.
Stepdaughter never liked me. She still doesn't communicate with me as she is in 2nd yr of college.
Ss is a senior in hs and we seem to get along.
It's been difficult over the yrs at times. I don't stand in the way with their father but I feel they've taken advantage of the situation and could help out more . That's the way I was taught.