Pursue Hobbies and Interests Outside of Fatherhood and Work
Remember when you had interests that didn’t involve singing The Wheels on the Bus at 6am? If your idea of ‘me time’ is a solo trip to the grocery store, this one's for you. Let’s talk about dusting off those pre-dad hobbies (no, not just assembling IKEA furniture) and finding your non-parent self hiding under the pile of laundry. Spoiler: you’re still in there, and he’s dying to finish that model airplane.
Engaging in your own hobbies isn’t just ‘self-care’—it’s actual brain fuel. You get a dopamine hit from doing something you love, which helps fight burnout, improves your mood, and makes you a more engaged (and less grumpy) parent. Modeling this for your kids also teaches them that it’s okay to have passions and boundaries—plus, your brain gets a break from the endless Baby Shark loop.
How to do it
Start by lowering the bar—there’s no need for a three-hour painting session; even ten minutes counts!
Step-by-step instructions:
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Set realistic expectations.
Allow yourself to work on your hobby in short bursts. Ten minutes is enough to make progress. -
Communicate with your family.
Let your family know about your hobby plans so they understand your schedule and don’t wonder where you’ve disappeared to. -
Pick a regular time.
Choose a consistent time for your hobby, such as after bedtime or during nap time, to help make it a routine. -
Keep your hobby gear accessible.
Leave your materials out and visible, rather than storing them away in the attic. This makes it easier to get started. -
Manage noise.
If your hobby is noisy, use headphones or take other steps to minimize disruption.
Key tips:
- Short sessions add up—progress doesn’t require long blocks of time.
- Visibility is motivation; seeing your supplies reminds you to use them.
- Communicating your plans helps set expectations with your family.
- Unfinished projects are still progress—don’t let perfectionism stop you from enjoying your hobby.
