As much as I enjoy being a dad..
Why is it, when im in the right frame of mind and want too progress with my layout.
My 2yr old son will not just leave me alone and go to sleep and give me an hour or so me time.
Am I the onlyone whos going through this or been here before?
I'm guessing most have had similar thoughts, I'm sure others will agree with you ;)
I say "guessing" because this is exactly one of the many many reasons that my misses and I decided not to have kids - too irritating! ;D
Paul
It may be coincidence, but I'm starting my first layout for 18 years, just before my daughter's 18th birthday...
Michael
That period is not known as the "Terrible Twos" for nothing ;)
It gets better....eventually :thumbsup:
Gah, been there still doing that. My son is now nearly 5 and I dont get hardly any time on the layout unless he is out with his mother or grandparents for an hour or two. His teenage step brother couldn't give a toss about model railways, if its not Facebook or xbox he ain't interested!
modelling was non existant when my twins were born 14yrs ago and i only got back to it 2yrs ago.count yourself lucky if you squeeze any modelling in ;)
My son is 19 Years old. He is smart, knowledgable gracious and polite. He is brilliant company. I am very proud of him and how he has turned out.
I have taken him with me on rugby tours since he was twelve, to various motor racing events, holidays etc. We even went to the Le Mans 24 hour in 2011 and had a truley great time. He is studying TV production and hoping to work in that area. People who come into contact with him seem to love him. I have spent as much time with him as I possibly could, (he lives with his mother). I have shown him stuff, explained stuff and learned stuff from him. I hope I have influenced how he has turned out
Park the railway, spend time with your son, you will be rewarded in the long run.. Remember railways are a hobby - your son is for life.. A Dads influence is key..
The best thing to do is give him something to do, he is only wanting to help his dad. Put some old clothes on him and let him paint a wooden block or something, he will get covered in paint but that is the fun of it ;)
However this distraction does not last too long so you need backups at the ready :thumbsup:
cheers John.
I seem to be in a similar position to Greybeema. My son is 18 plus I have a 20 year old daughter.
I would echo what he said.
I put my railway on hold while they where growing up and have only returned to it in the last 9 months.
However, I have done so many things with my children and we have shared so many good timnes and experiences I don't regret it at all. I'm very proud to have been a very possitive part of their lives as they spread their wings at UNI
I still had hobbies and interests while they were growing up but these were things we could all do together.
That said, everyone is different and so don't beat yourself up about wanting quiet time to yourself. This does not make you a bad dad. Devoting 100% of your time to children will make you a dull person, you need a life as well.
Invest in your future, my son, 12 now, is the best assistant operator I have and helps at every show I attend. I could not exhibit without him. I totaly understand where you are coming form though, there have been many times when I have thought to my self - 'bugger off and leave me alone boy!!!!'
Best wishes to you
Simon
I'm going through it as well Porkie! I have a 3 year old and an 8 month old. It's taken me two to three years to find time to connect up my four loops, and not even with Peco track, but Kato.......which should take a few of hours. :-\ No points involved either!!! The only time that I get to do modelling is on a quiet evening shift at work. One day..... :)
Don't worry
when either son or daughter have flown the nest,you might just get a spot of peace
MIGHT :D
And a spare bedroom for the new layout :D
Not a bad dad.
When my two daughters were young I still built layouts, indeed was encouraged by SWMBO to do so. There were things we did together and this was my thing. Progress was at time slow and mostly they were put up and taken down each time. While they were still at home 3 pof the 4 layouts I started reached exhibitions. The last, Abersoch in N, made it to Aly Paly in 2001.
By 2003 they had both flown or nearly flown the nest and I started Portpatrick Town (Aly Paly 2008). Not that their rooms have become aviable to me. THey are in part junk rooms and then are sometimes needed when grandchildren turn up. Now that is another story.
I know the feeling, I have a 2 1/2 year old and it can be very very hard work and free time is defiantly at a premium.
Luckily he’s asleep by 7.30 most nights meaning I get an evening or two to myself most weeks, plus he’s starting to develop an interest in trains so I’m hoping I can involve him in the hobby in a year or two.
Pheew, I thought it was just me being selfish..
He does enjoy watching my trains run round. But no hope in anything else yet.
:hmmm: Give him a few more months (4-6) and then resort to the old age cure if he still misbehaves like that.
Get him a 2 year old girlfriend that should disract him for a few years :laugh3: :laugh3:
1. Ensure layout is in a room with a door,
2. Ensure lock fitted and high enough for kids or other half to be unable to reach it, and you keep the keys,
3. Fit good soundproofing to door, so you don't hear them knocking and crying on the other side,
4. Enjoy your layout in peace.
This another reason so many layouts end up in the attic/loft, pull the ladder up behind you...
Quote from: porkie on June 23, 2013, 02:10:03 PM
As much as I enjoy being a dad..
,,
Am I the onlyone whos going through this or been here before?
Nope, and you wont be the last ;)
Enjoy it, have some more, you'll be so busy watching (helping) them grow up you wont notice that you are growing old.
All of a sudden they will have flown the nest and you'll have plenty of time to shuffle off to the spare room* and play with your toys and be left wondering "where did that all go" and the free TV licence will soon drop thro' the letterbox !
*Shortly SWMBO will join you and pick up a paint brush or pair of sissors and
,,,
PS. and there wont be nobody to gainsay you perusing the forums at 1am ;)
Anyone who has children will know exactly what you mean!
There are times in the day when you just want five minutes to enjoy a brew and just sit!
That said while I have been building my layout I have encouraged the kids to get involved! The various processes and techniques have been explained and but aside any protectiveness of all but the most expensive of rolling stock and generally they have enjoyed it. The younger one (4yr old) more than the elder one (9yr old) who would either go out riding his bike or sit and play (Xbox, Lego...all the usual distractions).
It will be tricky trying to involve a 2 year old but I'm sure there will be something he is keen to do!
My youngest is absolutely delighted that once the backscene goes on the layout (and it can be no longer kept in the dining room) that the layout will be stored under his bed. Apparently at this stage it becomes his layout and not mine!
:D
Your not a bad dad, I get the same from my 12 month old twin boys, then the 5 year old wants somthing at the times the twins don't.
I assume I'll get peace and quiet in a few years :)
Not a bad Dad, whatsoever!
Yes, it is important to spend time with the kids!
But, me time is also important!
To me, you were trying to say, it's when little 'un is supposed to be going to sleep that little 'un disturbs you!
This is what's known in the trade as "sod's law!"
Don't give up the hobby, it will be one of the things that makes you - you!!!