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Ask HN: Tips for Hackers having Kids?

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Re: Ask HN: Tips for Hackers having Kids?

#51

Post by trixjo »

exline wrote: post #4

Having kids has been a great change in my life. My kids are 4 and 6 now and I'm loving being a dad. I can still work long hours, but I split the hours to spend time with them. I don't have the time I'd like to have to dig into new technologies, new tools, etc, but I feel I'm a good dad. Starting to do some science experiments with my kids which is very cool. What has worked for me is to get an early start in the morn…

I have three kids under 5. Does it get easier to find spare time to code once your kids start school?

Re: Ask HN: Tips for Hackers having Kids?

#53

Post by torpor »

erikstarck wrote: post #46

My daughter and first child was born this Monday. I'm reading all the replies and sucking everything in as my daughter is sleeping on my chest. My life has undoubtedly changed - for the better. There can not be a better startup than your own kids. My plan now is to take an employment for 4 days/week and work on my own project(s) the 5th. Weekends are strictly family. Is 8 hrs/week enough to get anything off the groun…

Its a really good idea, and I applaud you making the change. The 5th day for you will probably get filled with tasks from your SO, but if you organize in advance - with a real schedule and TODO lists and so on - you can manage. Nothing can help you more than having a little prediction/planning ahead of time, and if you've got a day for yourself each week this will help immensely.

Re: Ask HN: Tips for Hackers having Kids?

#54

Post by trix »

What advice can parents give for parents with multiple kids? I have a beautiful 3.5 yo,2,and newborn. Love them all. They are amazing. I thought I was busy and sleep deprived with one child...three is a different story! :)

I find it difficult to work 60 hours per week, take my kids to sports and then muster energy when they sleep to work on startup

Advice?

Re: Ask HN: Tips for Hackers having Kids?

#55

Post by nickzoic »

Congratulations to thegyppo and all the other new parents in here. Father of a 4yo daughter myself, and another on the way ...

Everything changes, best to accept it and just try to roll with it. Every kid is different, even if you have twins, every parent is different, even your and your partner. What works one night for might not work the next, or vice versa!

Expect your hours to change, unless you've got an extended family to help out with the bub.

Re: Ask HN: Tips for Hackers having Kids?

#56

Post by lukeqsee »

erikstarck wrote: post #46

My daughter and first child was born this Monday. I'm reading all the replies and sucking everything in as my daughter is sleeping on my chest. My life has undoubtedly changed - for the better. There can not be a better startup than your own kids. My plan now is to take an employment for 4 days/week and work on my own project(s) the 5th. Weekends are strictly family. Is 8 hrs/week enough to get anything off the groun…

If she's sleeping, you'd better be sleeping! :-)

Re: Ask HN: Tips for Hackers having Kids?

#57

Post by davidw »

exline wrote: post #4

Having kids has been a great change in my life. My kids are 4 and 6 now and I'm loving being a dad. I can still work long hours, but I split the hours to spend time with them. I don't have the time I'd like to have to dig into new technologies, new tools, etc, but I feel I'm a good dad. Starting to do some science experiments with my kids which is very cool. What has worked for me is to get an early start in the morn…

> I don't have the time I'd like to have to dig into new technologies, new tools, etc, but I feel I'm a good dad.

That sort of sums it up for me. Being a good dad is the priority for me too, but I feel that perhaps it's the beginning of the end, in a field where you have to rush to keep up with so much stuff happening.

Re: Ask HN: Tips for Hackers having Kids?

#58

Post by backroomcoder »

I have three girls under the age of six. I tend to work 8am=>4pm in the office, three hours with the girls, bath and bedtime stories and then I'll work between 8pm until midnight'ish, between Monday and Thursday. Friday/Sat/Syn nights are for me and my wife to spend time together and Sat/Sun days are for us all to spend time together. I sometimes need extra time at weekends, particularly recently completing a dissertation.

Get you and your family into ROUTINE. It feels like groundhog day sometimes, but when you go out of routine, it's not good. Achieving a routine means you will be able to plan the work you need to do, and understand how much time you have. If you don't have a routine, then you will suffer be warned!

If you need time to work extra which means your wife is taking care of the kids more often than not, then respond in kind and give her time off, treat her, look after her. I never blame my wife for my stresses, ever. You will argue no doubt. Develop broad shoulders and take it on the chin, don't hold grudges, be there to support your wife.

Enjoy this new part of your life !!

Re: Ask HN: Tips for Hackers having Kids?

#59

Post by jasonlotito »

Life is short, but it's not that short. If you spend the next few years enjoying family live, having a job, and just taking it easy, don't worry. Let your ideas fester, play with them. Your children age, they won't stop to wait for you. You'll hate yourself if you miss out on milestones. You'll still be able to hack, but enjoy their smiles. And hold them. Dear god, hold them, because too quickly you won't be able to.

Father of two sons, a 20-month old and a 1-week old.

Re: Ask HN: Tips for Hackers having Kids?

#60

Post by Tichy »

trix wrote: post #54

What advice can parents give for parents with multiple kids? I have a beautiful 3.5 yo,2,and newborn. Love them all. They are amazing. I thought I was busy and sleep deprived with one child...three is a different story! :) I find it difficult to work 60 hours per week, take my kids to sports and then muster energy when they sleep to work on startup Advice?

I find it difficult (as in impossible) to work 60 hours a week without children.
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