Dealing with one-track parents...

[twoincomes]

But I don't think that not having a life yourself is even good for the kids.

I work 60 hours a week. And spend 15 hours a week commuting. And I spent 56 hours a week sleeping. That leaves 37 hours a week for kids time + meal time + hobby time. Figure I spend 7 hours a week for meals, that leaves me about 3 hours a day to spend with kids. I really hate to cut my 3 hours a day down.

I could talk endless about my job, about how much money I make, or about how my coworkers are dimwits or about how the senior management is making stupid decisions, or about the technical problems that I am having, like when one data bus isn't properly communicating to another data bus so I had to go measure light level readings across four pieces of fiber optic cable but found three of them weren't connected properly, but all of those things seem to be pretty boring in comparison to my family. Talking about, and sharing picture of, little kids and the things they do is fun, engaging, and special. And yes, I'm sure it annoys those without kids, but even they would rather hear about my kids than data busses.

What would be fun to talk about is recreational hobbies like skiing or mountain bike riding or trail running or whatever, but then I have to cut into the 3 hours a day with family.

[Hopes]

Originally Posted by twoincomes

I'd like to say that, as a parent, I'm pretty obsessed over my daughter and what she is doing. Every little thing is important to me, and it probably drives some people (especially those without kids) nuts.

Originally Posted by somebodynew

But I don't think that not having a life yourself is even good for the kids.

I agree because kids end up under a microscope and "every little thing" becomes magnified. That means problems and achievements are bigger than they really are. I think it's best to be a role model as someone well rounded with passions and interests outside of the family too. It makes for better conversation with the children themselves, not just other parents.