Things I like and dislike about being a dad

Caleb dives into the struggles of parenthood, expressing his dual feelings of delight and agony. He describes how parenting, especially with babies and toddlers, can feel like clock-punching for him, as he often finds himself counting down the hours until nap time or bedtime. The distractions that come with toddlers also trouble him, sharing a chaotic narrative of gathering materials for his kids when he picks them up from his parents' house. He characterizes these moments as torturous and highlights the overwhelming nature of managing young children and their needs.

Caleb expresses his frustration with the mess that comes along with parenting, focusing on the chaos of feeding toddlers and dealing with their messiness. He shares a particularly vivid story about a disastrous blowout his baby had, likening the mess to a disaster zone. This leads to a discussion about food messes, toys everywhere, and the relentless clutter that seems to accompany children, drawing parallels to the monotony of routines in parenting.

Despite the struggles, Caleb highlights the joy of parenting as his children grow. He shares heartwarming stories of doing yard work with his son River, cultivating a bond over gardening tasks. He describes how the parenting challenges ease with age, as River can now handle some independence, leading to a more enjoyable experience. Caleb believes that many difficulties associated with baby and toddler stages will fade, replaced with opportunities for shared fun and adventure.

Caleb concludes by reflecting on the bittersweet experience of parenting, filled with micro-moments of bliss pulled through layers of agony. He recognizes that as children age, the burdens of parenting transform, bringing new joys along with them. He points out the difference between managing younger children who require constant attention and the potential for older children to begin navigating their own space, hinting at the hope for less chaotic parenting in the future.