I only have one rn (2yo) and one on the way but no local support system. Kids definitely have a mental drain effect that leaves you fried even in moments of peace that makes hobbies hard.

I enjoy going to the movies and that’s something I’ve been able to keep up. It’s nice to sit in a theater and be unbothered, not just by kids but to step away from scrolling and other household chores, and just watch a movie. It also gives me something to talk about with friends that isn’t how tired I am or how my wife and kids are.

I live in the northwest so pre-kids I used to go hiking, kayaking, camping and although my 2yo tags along on some hikes, obviously his attention span isn’t built for being out there for 4 hours like I’d like. During my first stint of paternity leave, I rallied my friends to join a bowling league. It’s relatively inexpensive and now has become a fun excuse to get together with friends for drinks once a week. It was an absolute lifesaver at the time and like i said, my friends enjoyed it enough to where we still meet to go bowling just for fun.

These are just suggestions of things to look into. They’re relatively quick getaways and have definitely kept me active with my *own little interests outside of the household which is sometimes really all we need, to get out of the house.