I have from time to time, just wanted to get away and have a moment to myself, no work, no kids, no wife, no bills no nothing... Is it me being selfish or can you understand what I am saying? If you get a few moments to yourself, how do you manage it and what do you do?

I am lucky when it comes to getting breaks. My wife is a soccer coach and personal trainer (and teacher) so there are certain nights that she has a training session and will pick up Eli from daycare, take him to grandma and grandpa while she does the session and then comes home. This usually gives me from 4:30pm until 8:30pm to myself. That is my time to relax, sit and veg, play Halo3 or a computer game with my friends online.

Of course this has its downsides also, like not having a break and doing everything myself for weeks without a break because she is busy preparing one of the teams she coaches for a tourney. I might have Eli by myself each night.

When I really need a break, because I am frustrated or exhausted. I just say so and my wife steps up to the plate and takes him out for the day. Same holds true for her. I don't feel guilty because I know it is best for Ei. I don't think wanting to get away, or needing it is a bad thing. I think it is completely normal as long as you miss him when he is not around.

Thanks for your response. All my kids have returned to school today, so I had the house to myself. Not that it was any fun because I slept from 8am to 4pm after working my 12 hours last night. And I am back working again tonight. I atleast have Wednesday and Thursday off , So maybe I will stay awake and just enjoy the peace and quiet..

Only time I have to myself, is if i'm sick and I have to stay home from work. Then usually i'm on meds and just sleep. No time for myself.

Time to yourself is a must. My wife is finishing grad school in 2 weeks (started 3 years ago) and time to myself has been few and far between. This week I am going up to Grand Rapids for 4 days to visit friends and that will be the longest I have been away from my kids since they have been born. I get a poker night out every now and then but I need more of a break.

While I'm looking forward to the time away I know I will miss my wife and kids and to an extent, the routine I am used to. But a few days away will certainly recharge the batteries!

You have to carve out some time for yourself or you will go crazy. I usually get one or 2 days a month to go fishing. I miss the wife and kids but I have to get away or craziness will take over.

The trick is you have to give mom some days off as well. She will go just as crazy as you without some me time.

That's why God invented golf.

You must get time to yourself. Golf is a good start for sure. Xbox is great (BernardNY, what is your Halo handle, I'm cushoeless, look me up), good for venting frustrations. Sometimes I'll drop the boy off with the G-ma and G-pa just to take in a movie or go find a quiet spot.

So far I havent wanted time to myself, other than sleep. I want to spend as much time with my new daughter as possible, but there are times where i just want to stay asleep, but i wake up anyway to help out my fiance, i know she needs her sleep too, and when i am at work, she is doing it all alone. I know it can be stressful, so even if i am not doing something for Abigayle,(my daughter) i will at least try to do something for Jessica(my fiance) (i.e. make her food, get her a drink, clean up the house). Maybe its because i am still new at this dad thing, but im still at the point where i wanna be with my little Abigoof. Oh and John, i get where you are coming from with the 12 hour shift part, i had the house to myself today from 1-ON, but all i did was take a much needed nap. I used to play online PS2 and stuff, but I havent had the energy or the time latley. Man having a real job blows. lol

Work is where I escape. And since I spend my day putting out little fires everywhere.. it isnt really relaxing. Basically the bathroom is my escape. Or Ill do laundry to be in the dank damp unifinshed basement and just fold 5 loads of clothes all night. Im lucky because my son goes to bed at like 7:30pm but then that is me and my wife time. Most nights though we just sit in front of the tv on our respective laptops and veg. With a new baby on the way.. Im about 19 years away from relaxing.