As a parent of two (3yrs and 10mo) there is serious truth to this. I can only assume that the down votes are because of the flippant way it was phrased, but let me offer this to the new and prospective pappas out there: you will be tired, busy, and frustrated. If you don't step back and take care of momma you can quickly find your relationship spiraling out of control because you no longer prioritize yourself or your wife.
A few thoughts:
(a) Schedule is key. Put the little buggers on a schedule and keep to it.
(b) The parent's bed is sacred, no child shall pass. We were very strict with this rule. Our kids have never been in our bed to sleep.
(c) Free time is key, one of the best things we did was get a nanny/house keeper on Saturday. That way we can leave the kids at home and go have a nice lunch together and maybe see a movie without the hassle of babysitters and late nights.
(d) Start waking up early, way early. Nearly 4 years into fatherhood I am still searching for the ways to attain my lost productivity. One of the biggest has been to simply wake up earlier. Kids bring about a new world order. Accept and move on and embrace the 4:30 wakeup.
>That way we can leave the kids at home and go have a nice lunch together and maybe see a movie without the hassle of babysitters and late nights.
Don't have kids, no "hassle"!
As for (d) kids are your productivity, they're are what you've produced, they will be your lifes work. Don't sideline them, don't let nannies have all the fun.
Sideline them? Actually I think its theraputic for the kids to allow other people to take care of them. It helps them adjust to the world and understand that mommy and daddy DON'T have to be there for them to thrive.
Indeed, balance: "don't let nannies have all the fun" emphasis added.
I let a 7yo I'd never met take my 16mo old off to the playpark today .. I did watch from less than 50m away though, perhaps I'm holding the reins too tight?
A few thoughts:
(a) Schedule is key. Put the little buggers on a schedule and keep to it.
(b) The parent's bed is sacred, no child shall pass. We were very strict with this rule. Our kids have never been in our bed to sleep.
(c) Free time is key, one of the best things we did was get a nanny/house keeper on Saturday. That way we can leave the kids at home and go have a nice lunch together and maybe see a movie without the hassle of babysitters and late nights.
(d) Start waking up early, way early. Nearly 4 years into fatherhood I am still searching for the ways to attain my lost productivity. One of the biggest has been to simply wake up earlier. Kids bring about a new world order. Accept and move on and embrace the 4:30 wakeup.