MEMBER SUBMITTED DAD STORIES

I love my son to death, but every time I try to work on the laptop, he wants to do the same. Except he just wants to pull and push things lol. Dad life is tough, but I wouldn't trade it for anything!

I work 3rd shift at a warehouse, come home around 6am, and my 2-year-old’s usually just waking up. My wife gets a few extra hours of sleep while I take over. I’m running on fumes most days, but that first ‘Dada!’ when he sees me walk in makes it worth it.

Every morning I swear I’m gonna drink a hot coffee… never happens. My 4-year-old insists Paw Patrol needs my full attention. So yeah, I’m sittin there, cold coffee, mismatched socks, watchin cartoons like it’s my job.

I ain’t no handyman but my daughter thinks I can fix anything. Remote dies? ‘Daddy fix it.’ Her toy breaks in half? ‘Daddy fix it.’ I try my best but half the time I’m usin tape and prayers. She don’t care tho.

My garage turns into my grind zone after the kid crashes. That’s when I tinker, work on my side hustle, or just breathe. Some nights it’s quiet, some nights it’s chaos, but that’s dad life, man.

Every. Single. Time. Strappin my son in his car seat is like wrestlin a tiny angry alligator. Sweat, snacks everywhere, limbs flyin. Then he’s finally buckled in and smiles like nothin happened.

You ever had one of those diaper explosions that make you question your life choices? 2 am, half asleep, baby defied physics. Took 3 wipes, a bath, and a prayer.

Used to hit the gym six days a week. Now I get my reps carryin a 25-lb toddler who refuses her stroller. Girl-dad gains hit different.

Me and my boy got this thing – Friday nights are pizza + movie night. No phones, no work talk, just cheese, pepperoni, and bad jokes.

Before I had kids, 6 am was sleep. Now it’s cartoons, cereal, and hugs. Kinda love it.

Used to drop cash on sneakers every month. Now I compare diaper prices by the ounce.

Built a treehouse last summer. Took 3 weekends, 14 YouTube vids, and one argument with the in-laws. But when my daughter yelled ‘Daddy I love it!’ – worth every splinter.

My son had a nightmare last night, came runnin in cryin. Pulled him up, patted his back, next thing I know it’s 4 am and my arm’s numb but he’s smilin.

My 3-year-old could negotiate peace treaties. I tell him ‘no more juice boxes,’ he’s like ‘how bout one more but I share it with mommy?’

I’m an electrician. Days are wires & walls, nights are storybooks & stuffed animals. Switchin from conduit to cuddle mode ain’t easy.

Took my kids campin solo. Tent almost blew away, burnt the hot dogs, forgot bug spray. Still – best trip ever.

Dropped my son off for his first day of school. He walked in like a champ. Me? Sat in the car ugly cryin behind my shades.

Taught my boy how to do laundry. He said, ‘this is mom stuff.’ I said, ‘nah, this is grown-man stuff.’

Had the dog before the kid. Used to think I was tired walkin him every day. Then came 3 am feedings – dog just looks at me like ‘told ya so.’

Up before the sun feedin cows, then straight to the day job. Get home just in time to read my boy a book before bed. Good kinda tired.

Told my daughter we were playin a ‘game’ where she jumped in the leaf pile and I raked ‘em back up. Smartest parenting move I ever made.

My son loves ridin in the cart at Walmart. Dude thinks it’s Disneyland. We hit every aisle just so he can wave at folks like he’s the mayor.

My daughter’s teddy ripped open and she cried like the world ended. I stitched it up with fishin line. Now she calls it ‘Daddy fixed bear.’

Every Saturday I mow, and my little dude rides his plastic mower right behind me like we’re a crew. One day I’m gonna hand him the real one.

My dad taught me to fish on this same dock. Now I’m teachin my boy. He caught nothin but a stick and still bragged all day.