Am I a bad dad?

porkie · June 23, 2013, 02:10:03 PM

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?

Sprintex · June 23, 2013, 02:12:52 PM

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!

Paul

Michael Shillabeer · June 23, 2013, 02:18:31 PM

It may be coincidence, but I'm starting my first layout for 18 years, just before my daughter's 18th birthday...

Michael

Leo1961 · June 23, 2013, 02:18:46 PM

That period is not known as the "Terrible Twos" for nothing

It gets better....eventually

AndyGif · June 23, 2013, 02:36:20 PM

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!

brbluewill · June 23, 2013, 03:00:27 PM

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

Greybeema · June 23, 2013, 03:12:35 PM

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..

scotsoft · June 23, 2013, 03:52:18 PM

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

cheers John.

Trev · June 23, 2013, 03:57:54 PM

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.

bridgiesimon · June 23, 2013, 03:59:55 PM

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

Tank · June 23, 2013, 04:35:37 PM

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.....

chub1 · June 23, 2013, 04:49:09 PM

Don't worry
when either son or daughter have flown the nest,you might just get a spot of peace
MIGHT

Trev · June 23, 2013, 04:54:06 PM

And a spare bedroom for the new layout

Portpatrick · June 23, 2013, 05:35:09 PM

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.

philwhite · June 23, 2013, 05:44:00 PM

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.