On the Coast – Families Issue 100 I June/July 2019 | Page 18

Finding time
to fight isolation
The weekly four-hour forecast
F
or most men, being a father can
be both an extremely busy and
surprisingly isolating experience.
After the initial excitement of welcoming
a new baby into the world has worn
off with the help of sleep deprivation
and an endless supply of dirty nappies,
you’ll find it difficult to find time for
your wife, mates and especially yourself.
Furthermore, not much changes in
the following years; toddler tantrums,
doctor appointments and constant kid
commitments soak up your energy and
ability to do the things you used to. Let’s
be honest, it’s not all doom and gloom but
for anyone to say it’s a breeze is having
BY LUKE MCMAHON
you on. To be the best father you can
be, you need to make time for your own
emotional wellbeing.
Here’s my run-down on getting the
best out of the key relationships and
avoiding the isolation when you have
young children.
Yourself
Firstly, and most importantly, make time
for you. When you’ve got a young family,
it can be really hard to occasionally put
yourself first. If you’re not enjoying a
break from the busy world and getting a
chance to relax in your own company –
whatever that looks like – you can hardly
expect to be on your A-game as a Dad,
husband and mate. Sip a barista latte,
catch a wave, lift some weights or hit a
bucket of golf balls kid-free, wife-free
Mission Australia Woodbury Park ELS
4 Woodbury Park Drive, Mardi
Ph 4356 4100
18
ON T H E C OA S T – FAM ILIES
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