Just how much did your life change when you had children?
Discussion
phil1979 said:
prand said:
Yes, in three ways a) the sentimental one, like hearing about small kids being maltreated etc, b) I now am quick to anger especially if the kids are misbehaving, sadly I am no longer the laid back Prand everyone used to know and love (this also happens at work too, so it may also be the stress of my job doing this to me as well as kids), and c) its oh so easy for Mrs P and I to lose it with each other now.
I put this down to me never really being able to relax when the kids are around. I go back to work on a Monday exhausted and not rested when I previously would have been able to switch off over a weekend, a lie in, read the paper, long lunch with three pints in the pub, possibly catch a rugby match, then a snooze on the sofa in the afternoon watching the F1. Now it's 7 days a week up at 7.00am and no peace until they are back in bed again.
I think you must be my twin, Prand.I put this down to me never really being able to relax when the kids are around. I go back to work on a Monday exhausted and not rested when I previously would have been able to switch off over a weekend, a lie in, read the paper, long lunch with three pints in the pub, possibly catch a rugby match, then a snooze on the sofa in the afternoon watching the F1. Now it's 7 days a week up at 7.00am and no peace until they are back in bed again.
RSoovy4 said:
phil1979 said:
prand said:
Yes, in three ways a) the sentimental one, like hearing about small kids being maltreated etc, b) I now am quick to anger especially if the kids are misbehaving, sadly I am no longer the laid back Prand everyone used to know and love (this also happens at work too, so it may also be the stress of my job doing this to me as well as kids), and c) its oh so easy for Mrs P and I to lose it with each other now.
I put this down to me never really being able to relax when the kids are around. I go back to work on a Monday exhausted and not rested when I previously would have been able to switch off over a weekend, a lie in, read the paper, long lunch with three pints in the pub, possibly catch a rugby match, then a snooze on the sofa in the afternoon watching the F1. Now it's 7 days a week up at 7.00am and no peace until they are back in bed again.
I think you must be my twin, Prand.I put this down to me never really being able to relax when the kids are around. I go back to work on a Monday exhausted and not rested when I previously would have been able to switch off over a weekend, a lie in, read the paper, long lunch with three pints in the pub, possibly catch a rugby match, then a snooze on the sofa in the afternoon watching the F1. Now it's 7 days a week up at 7.00am and no peace until they are back in bed again.
RSoovy4 said:
phil1979 said:
prand said:
Yes, in three ways a) the sentimental one, like hearing about small kids being maltreated etc, b) I now am quick to anger especially if the kids are misbehaving, sadly I am no longer the laid back Prand everyone used to know and love (this also happens at work too, so it may also be the stress of my job doing this to me as well as kids), and c) its oh so easy for Mrs P and I to lose it with each other now.
I put this down to me never really being able to relax when the kids are around. I go back to work on a Monday exhausted and not rested when I previously would have been able to switch off over a weekend, a lie in, read the paper, long lunch with three pints in the pub, possibly catch a rugby match, then a snooze on the sofa in the afternoon watching the F1. Now it's 7 days a week up at 7.00am and no peace until they are back in bed again.
I think you must be my twin, Prand.I put this down to me never really being able to relax when the kids are around. I go back to work on a Monday exhausted and not rested when I previously would have been able to switch off over a weekend, a lie in, read the paper, long lunch with three pints in the pub, possibly catch a rugby match, then a snooze on the sofa in the afternoon watching the F1. Now it's 7 days a week up at 7.00am and no peace until they are back in bed again.
Boozy said:
I haven't slept properly since our daughter was born over six months ago. It's proper hard work at times, at x o clock in the morning when they're crying to remind yourself it's not at you.
You lose your independence, your identity changes and you'll learn to cope on two maybe three hour stints at a time.
BUT that said, I can't wait to see her smile when I get in this evening when she sees me and play with her before bathing her. It is THE most challenging, difficult, scary thing I've ever done but unquestionably the most rewarding, I can't imagine life not as a Dad now, enjoy every second of it, even the bad bits.
I have only just started reading the thread but immediately identified with the above wholeheartedly. I am 8.5 months in being the only difference.You lose your independence, your identity changes and you'll learn to cope on two maybe three hour stints at a time.
BUT that said, I can't wait to see her smile when I get in this evening when she sees me and play with her before bathing her. It is THE most challenging, difficult, scary thing I've ever done but unquestionably the most rewarding, I can't imagine life not as a Dad now, enjoy every second of it, even the bad bits.
Charlie
Much to relate to in here. Nice to read the experiences of others and realise they are not so disimilar to your own!
I simply cannot read the articles in the press about children being mistreated anymore. If I even see that picture of little Baby P looking up with those big round..... oh for f
k sake. 
I'm a lot less selfish too, less materialistic, and also much more appreciative of my own dear old Mum.
Happy parenting PHers. It really is the most rewarding experience to can have.
I simply cannot read the articles in the press about children being mistreated anymore. If I even see that picture of little Baby P looking up with those big round..... oh for f
k sake. I'm a lot less selfish too, less materialistic, and also much more appreciative of my own dear old Mum.
Happy parenting PHers. It really is the most rewarding experience to can have.
DoubleSix said:
Much to relate to in here. Nice to read the experiences of others and realise they are not so disimilar to your own!
I simply cannot read the articles in the press about children being mistreated anymore. If I even see that picture of little Baby P looking up with those big round..... oh for fk sake.
I'm a lot less selfish too, less materialistic, and also much more appreciative of my own dear old Mum.
In a similar (I think) sense; I lost my Grandad early last week and it's really hit me. I lost my other grandparents and was almost numb to their passing but now I have children I can see the role a grandfather takes. I can see the times he looked after me, guided me and just generally loved me and it makes so much more sense now just how that would have made him feel.I simply cannot read the articles in the press about children being mistreated anymore. If I even see that picture of little Baby P looking up with those big round..... oh for f
k sake. I'm a lot less selfish too, less materialistic, and also much more appreciative of my own dear old Mum.
I think I've said already on this thread but will say again that I just can't read/hear/see news about mistreated kids or tragic cases involving children.
RSoovy4 said:
phil1979 said:
prand said:
Yes, in three ways a) the sentimental one, like hearing about small kids being maltreated etc, b) I now am quick to anger especially if the kids are misbehaving, sadly I am no longer the laid back Prand everyone used to know and love (this also happens at work too, so it may also be the stress of my job doing this to me as well as kids), and c) its oh so easy for Mrs P and I to lose it with each other now.
I put this down to me never really being able to relax when the kids are around. I go back to work on a Monday exhausted and not rested when I previously would have been able to switch off over a weekend, a lie in, read the paper, long lunch with three pints in the pub, possibly catch a rugby match, then a snooze on the sofa in the afternoon watching the F1. Now it's 7 days a week up at 7.00am and no peace until they are back in bed again.
I think you must be my twin, Prand.I put this down to me never really being able to relax when the kids are around. I go back to work on a Monday exhausted and not rested when I previously would have been able to switch off over a weekend, a lie in, read the paper, long lunch with three pints in the pub, possibly catch a rugby match, then a snooze on the sofa in the afternoon watching the F1. Now it's 7 days a week up at 7.00am and no peace until they are back in bed again.
That mirrors my experience so closely! Glad it's not just me. Been thinking I was going crazy at times & get annoyed with myself being resentful that can't do some of the stuff I used to.
...but then my 3yo daughter will stop her tantrum for a moment to just look at you, giggle, chuckle or uter some little gem and all's right in the World.
Incredibly hard, yes. Scarifices. Certainly. But a joy & honour to be her Dad.
So I'm 2 1/2 years in now, loving every minute, even the Firenam Sam is always on the ceiling rendition!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dr1u0QttxFU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dr1u0QttxFU
dave_s13 said:
We've got 3 now. 5, 2.5 and 0.5.
I seem to spend every waking minute shouting at them to stop whining, stop screaming or stop ttting each other. All while the baby cries in the background (teething).
It has it moments but currently it's feckin hard work!
Fair play to you, there's no way we would want more than 2, I am loving the fact both ours are now older than 2.5 and both speaking, can get around on foot or on scooters and out of nappies. I would hate to have to go through all that baby stuff again. Top marks to you!! I seem to spend every waking minute shouting at them to stop whining, stop screaming or stop t
tting each other. All while the baby cries in the background (teething). It has it moments but currently it's feckin hard work!
A big change is if someone is ill or injured prekid it was easy as there was two people to think about post kid its a pain and logistical nightmare as child care etc need to be considered. In typical me fashion I've done my worst mountain bike injury that's got me unable to deal with our 18 month old at a time my parents are on holiday for a month and the in laws had been planning to go on caravan rallies.
We have a 2.5 year old, and a 3.5 month old. The baby doesn't sleep through the night, so every night we are up at least once. Yes we 're both always knackered, but I wouldn't change it fir the world.
So far this year, we have had a meningitis scare with Lola (the baby) resulting in a hospital stay. It's makes you realise how much they mean to you.
Then Jenson broke his elbow in a freak fall, it makes you realise how much they rely on you.
Yes it can be hard work/tiring/frustrating/emotional, but my god it's worth it!!
So far this year, we have had a meningitis scare with Lola (the baby) resulting in a hospital stay. It's makes you realise how much they mean to you.
Then Jenson broke his elbow in a freak fall, it makes you realise how much they rely on you.
Yes it can be hard work/tiring/frustrating/emotional, but my god it's worth it!!
Landlord said:
I think I've said already on this thread but will say again that I just can't read/hear/see news about mistreated kids or tragic cases involving children.
I haven't for years. I know it goes on but it's so far removed from my life that I just prefer to adopt a head in the sand attitude. Which is pretty awful but hey ho. There was a young lad round the corner from us a few months younger than my eldest who had been seriously ill from birth. After various ups and downs he passed away nearly two years ago. We were invited to the funeral and I was ok up to the point when the dad read out the gruffalo. The Muppets Mahna Mahna finished me off. I'm filling up now typing this.
Anyway mine are 4.5 and nearly 3 now. The eldest (boy) needs to man up a bit,the youngest is a bit naughty.
The lad has just been fitted for glasses, he looks really cute.
Anyway mine are 4.5 and nearly 3 now. The eldest (boy) needs to man up a bit,the youngest is a bit naughty.
The lad has just been fitted for glasses, he looks really cute.
Thought I'd update this thread with my most recent experience, my last update was with the birth of my first son who is now 15 months.
Go back 4 weeks and we've just moved into a new house, my wife was due in 4 weeks so plenty of time to get settled in. 3 days after moving in and at 6:30pm my wife says she has a few "twinges" and runs a bath. At 6:40pm these "twinges" are now coming regular and I time then at 4 minutes apart, so she calls the midwife who says to come into hospital. I ring a local friend to come round and look after our first born while I get my wife ready to go to hospital, which is 30 minutes away. I'm trying my best to get my wife out the bath, while sorting clothes out. By 7pm the twinges are at 2 minutes apart and dropping fast, we realise we aren't going to make it to hospital. I call the midwife this time, as my wife is in well established labour, midwife informs us to get an ambulance.
So I call 999 and an ambulance is dispatched, which seemed to take a lifetime but actually took 11 minutes. During this time, the call operator was advising me to get things ready for the birth, towels and safety pin. I kept looking for the head while a friend looked for the crew. When the ambulance does arrive, they rush upstairs to my wife, whom is on the bathroom floor with the head now appearing. At 7:20pm our son arrives, on the bathroom floor, less then 10 minutes after the ambulance arrives and nearly 4 weeks early.
Thankfully, he starts crying and looks a good weight. Ends up spending 2 days in hospital just because he was prem, despite being 6lb 2 so not a prem weight. All is well and we're adapting to family life with 2 boys now. Our 15 month old son is surprisingly gentle with the new arrival, even wanting to hold him and laughing when he cries.
An amazing experience which was terrifying at the time, especially as our first son was born with unexplained congenital pneumonia, which required urgent care on the special care baby unit. All turned out great in the end though and the ambulance crew even came by a few days later with a card and "Parated" teddy bear.
Taken yesterday, proud dad with my boys. Our newest edition isn't a fan of being photographed!
Go back 4 weeks and we've just moved into a new house, my wife was due in 4 weeks so plenty of time to get settled in. 3 days after moving in and at 6:30pm my wife says she has a few "twinges" and runs a bath. At 6:40pm these "twinges" are now coming regular and I time then at 4 minutes apart, so she calls the midwife who says to come into hospital. I ring a local friend to come round and look after our first born while I get my wife ready to go to hospital, which is 30 minutes away. I'm trying my best to get my wife out the bath, while sorting clothes out. By 7pm the twinges are at 2 minutes apart and dropping fast, we realise we aren't going to make it to hospital. I call the midwife this time, as my wife is in well established labour, midwife informs us to get an ambulance.
So I call 999 and an ambulance is dispatched, which seemed to take a lifetime but actually took 11 minutes. During this time, the call operator was advising me to get things ready for the birth, towels and safety pin. I kept looking for the head while a friend looked for the crew. When the ambulance does arrive, they rush upstairs to my wife, whom is on the bathroom floor with the head now appearing. At 7:20pm our son arrives, on the bathroom floor, less then 10 minutes after the ambulance arrives and nearly 4 weeks early.
Thankfully, he starts crying and looks a good weight. Ends up spending 2 days in hospital just because he was prem, despite being 6lb 2 so not a prem weight. All is well and we're adapting to family life with 2 boys now. Our 15 month old son is surprisingly gentle with the new arrival, even wanting to hold him and laughing when he cries.
An amazing experience which was terrifying at the time, especially as our first son was born with unexplained congenital pneumonia, which required urgent care on the special care baby unit. All turned out great in the end though and the ambulance crew even came by a few days later with a card and "Parated" teddy bear.
Taken yesterday, proud dad with my boys. Our newest edition isn't a fan of being photographed!
zedx19 said:
Thought I'd update this thread with my most recent experience, my last update was with the birth of my first son who is now 15 months.
Go back 4 weeks and we've just moved into a new house, my wife was due in 4 weeks so plenty of time to get settled in. 3 days after moving in and at 6:30pm my wife says she has a few "twinges" and runs a bath. At 6:40pm these "twinges" are now coming regular and I time then at 4 minutes apart, so she calls the midwife who says to come into hospital. I ring a local friend to come round and look after our first born while I get my wife ready to go to hospital, which is 30 minutes away. I'm trying my best to get my wife out the bath, while sorting clothes out. By 7pm the twinges are at 2 minutes apart and dropping fast, we realise we aren't going to make it to hospital. I call the midwife this time, as my wife is in well established labour, midwife informs us to get an ambulance.
So I call 999 and an ambulance is dispatched, which seemed to take a lifetime but actually took 11 minutes. During this time, the call operator was advising me to get things ready for the birth, towels and safety pin. I kept looking for the head while a friend looked for the crew. When the ambulance does arrive, they rush upstairs to my wife, whom is on the bathroom floor with the head now appearing. At 7:20pm our son arrives, on the bathroom floor, less then 10 minutes after the ambulance arrives and nearly 4 weeks early.
Thankfully, he starts crying and looks a good weight. Ends up spending 2 days in hospital just because he was prem, despite being 6lb 2 so not a prem weight. All is well and we're adapting to family life with 2 boys now. Our 15 month old son is surprisingly gentle with the new arrival, even wanting to hold him and laughing when he cries.
An amazing experience which was terrifying at the time, especially as our first son was born with unexplained congenital pneumonia, which required urgent care on the special care baby unit. All turned out great in the end though and the ambulance crew even came by a few days later with a card and "Parated" teddy bear.
Taken yesterday, proud dad with my boys. Our newest edition isn't a fan of being photographed!
Congrats to you, Zed!Go back 4 weeks and we've just moved into a new house, my wife was due in 4 weeks so plenty of time to get settled in. 3 days after moving in and at 6:30pm my wife says she has a few "twinges" and runs a bath. At 6:40pm these "twinges" are now coming regular and I time then at 4 minutes apart, so she calls the midwife who says to come into hospital. I ring a local friend to come round and look after our first born while I get my wife ready to go to hospital, which is 30 minutes away. I'm trying my best to get my wife out the bath, while sorting clothes out. By 7pm the twinges are at 2 minutes apart and dropping fast, we realise we aren't going to make it to hospital. I call the midwife this time, as my wife is in well established labour, midwife informs us to get an ambulance.
So I call 999 and an ambulance is dispatched, which seemed to take a lifetime but actually took 11 minutes. During this time, the call operator was advising me to get things ready for the birth, towels and safety pin. I kept looking for the head while a friend looked for the crew. When the ambulance does arrive, they rush upstairs to my wife, whom is on the bathroom floor with the head now appearing. At 7:20pm our son arrives, on the bathroom floor, less then 10 minutes after the ambulance arrives and nearly 4 weeks early.
Thankfully, he starts crying and looks a good weight. Ends up spending 2 days in hospital just because he was prem, despite being 6lb 2 so not a prem weight. All is well and we're adapting to family life with 2 boys now. Our 15 month old son is surprisingly gentle with the new arrival, even wanting to hold him and laughing when he cries.
An amazing experience which was terrifying at the time, especially as our first son was born with unexplained congenital pneumonia, which required urgent care on the special care baby unit. All turned out great in the end though and the ambulance crew even came by a few days later with a card and "Parated" teddy bear.
Taken yesterday, proud dad with my boys. Our newest edition isn't a fan of being photographed!
My two are both in the 'fun' stage, which is nice. Eldest about to turn 3, and youngest is 8 months. The eldest is the hardest work, by far!:
Edited by phil1979 on Wednesday 7th May 10:55
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