Building instruments, while having young kids

[Matthew Lau]

Sooooo,

I'm expecting my first kid in July.
I've heard from a lot of capable people to give up any hobbies for at least 3 years.
However, my wife (enabler-in-chief) has been prompting me about building that guitar I promised...and allowed me free reign on wood, tools, etc.

Anyone build instruments while still having young kids?
I was gonna just get the jigs premade, get the neck and bridge premade, and try to make life as easy as possible without being too generic on the build.

-Matt

[Bryan Bear]

I would not say you need to give up hobbies for 3 years, but they will slow WAY down. Both because of logistics/time but also your priorities will shift during those years.

Also "try to make life as easy as possible" does not really go with having a newborn or toddler. Even the most mundane daily tasks seem to become increasingly complicated. All in a good way though, congrats!

[Matthew Lau]

Any tips?

I'm planning to have a series of "Go bags" for kiddos: diaper fanny pack; diaper backpack, etc.

[Karl Wicklund]

Not tips as such: so many of the little time savers and patience savers happened on the fly. But I will say I needed to learn to be a more patient guy. I also realized how much shopwork (and gigging) did for my mental health. Making time to recharge that way saved me and my family a lot of heartache.

[Eric Crawford]

If you are like me, you may have to learn to work on one thing at a time, and to put your stuff away, especially sharp, fragile, sticky, or small stuff away between uses.
The first six months are a learning period for you as the new one increases In mobility and curiosity. Perceptions will change.

[Bryan Bear]

Too many tips to mention, you'll pick them up as you go from lots of people. I'll mention one though. Count your baby bottles. Know how many you have. Every night when you wash them, make sure you have them all. It is easy to lose track of one when things get hectic, and there is poop everywhere, and you are late, and. . . You don't want to end up finding one a week later under the couch or in the back of the car. Not a great smell.

Edit: Also good advice for every new dad. Don't use the term "babysit" when you have your own kid and mom is away.

[Bob Francis]

All sound advice.

[Matthew Lau]

Great tips.

What should I call it though, when I'm chilling with the kid?
I'm thinking of just strapping in the kid and going dog walking...or strapping the doggo to the stroller

[Bryan Bear]

You don't call it anything. That is just being a dad. When a guy says he is babysitting (when talking about his own kids) he implies that he feels like that is not really his job and he is doing something nice for his wife.

[Eric Knapp]

You don't call it anything. That is just being a dad. When a guy says he is babysitting (when talking about his own kids) he implies that he feels like that is not really his job and he is doing something nice for his wife.

What Brian said.

-Eric

[Eric Crawford]

Yep
A slip of the tongue can get you in a bit of trouble, just forget that word unless you are paying a neighborhood kid for a specific time.
You are just hanging out with your kid.
You will be providing care when needed, and comic relief always.
Now is the time to work on silly faces and your dad jokes. Put away any false pride or shame or whatever and just roll with it and make if fun for the both of you.