silverclrk 0 Report post Posted January 17, 2011 Well not me but my girlfriend. Just was wondering how that affected your hockey playing if you have a kid. I defiantly want and need to continue playing hockey for my sanity. Obviously I will not be able to devote as much financial resources to gear or the team as I had in the past.Any experiences are greatly appreciated since I am kind of freaking out in general. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gerbe3:16 19 Report post Posted January 17, 2011 I only played once a week and continue to play once a week. The wife will likely resent you having hockey friends and having a night to yourself. It is what it is there.As far as gear goes, I have definitedly toned it done but I've helped keep her happy by dumping some of my crap on ebay to get some money to pay for that.ps - congrats and good luck! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tro 4 Report post Posted January 17, 2011 Run!All depends on the lady, I kept my usual schedule and made sure she had time alone for her stuff(whatever that is, I wasn't listening). I had two teammates disappear for two years after the babies showed up and other guys don't miss a game.Leaving when the baby is in a fit, well that's a little tricky, I became an expert negotiator in these circumstances "I'll rock him all night, if I can go now"Run! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LivHockey84 0 Report post Posted January 18, 2011 Congrats! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sickwilly 37 Report post Posted January 18, 2011 I was freaked out about the threat of missing hockey when each of our kids were born. My wife and I have worked it out so that we each get at least one time a week to do an enjoyable activity. For her, it's yoga, for me it's hockey or golf. Definitely encourage your GF to do some fun stuff and be sure to take time for yourself. It will help both of your stress levels. Also, if she's less stressed, you might get to play a little more. I definitely have had to pick and choose my leisure activities a lot more, though. I can't just drop in on one of my buddies for a few beers anytime I want to anymore, but I hardly miss hockey because of our understanding. I've still been able to gear whore a little bit, but it's mostly on here and ebay. Best of luck to both of you and congratulations! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ibeck 38 Report post Posted January 18, 2011 Be extra helpful around the house on hockey days!!Good Luck Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
silverclrk 0 Report post Posted January 18, 2011 Thanks guys I am already starting the negotiations. The due date actually falls on a game night, which I do not think I would be able to negotiate out of ever even though I may try. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jarick 5 Report post Posted January 18, 2011 Congrats!It's all about compromise. Make sure she gets plenty of time to spend doing things with her friends and has time to herself away from you and the kid when she needs it, and you should be able to get plenty of time to play hockey and hang out with friends as well. At the beginning of the season I print out the schedule and generally she's able to watch the kid on game nights (especially because they're late at night after those two have gone to bed). If she wants to go out, I can usually find a sitter. Generally, if you have a good relationship, you'll figure it out.As for the money, it depends on whether or not you're already on a tight budget or if you're spend-happy. I had to tone it down a little, but I budget for league and pickup fees and spread out my purchases (or fund them with work bonuses, gifts, selling things, etc). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shotty 7 Report post Posted January 18, 2011 Thanks guys I am already starting the negotiations. The due date actually falls on a game night, which I do not think I would be able to negotiate out of ever even though I may try.unless she's having a c-section, dont bet on your baby being born on the due date. my guess is you'll be playing in that game, but bring a cell phone to the bench.as for advice, as long as your significant other understands that hockey is your outlet, there should be nothing stopping you from continuing to enjoy your sport of choice. if you're also heavy into other stuff, expect for some aspects of your life as you knew it to suffer. i havent played nearly as much golf, but i've managed to play more hockey... mostly because i leave after our son goes to sleep. just dont expect any sympathy if you have a few too many after the game and wake up with a pounding headache. i quickly learned that its not worth it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jason Harris 31 Report post Posted January 19, 2011 It really will depend on the "family" income. Over the course of my children's lives, I've somewhat stopped playing in leagues because we haven't always had $500 that could be set aside for my hobbies, yet I've often done three drop-ins a week since it's easier to come up with $10 at a time. However, if our household income dropped, one of the first things that would have to go would be my fun, because the kids' needs (and fun) have to be the top priority. Our attitude has always been the kids didn't ask to be born, so it's our responsibility to provide as good a lifestyle as possible, even if that conflicts with our wants as parents. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aggie 9 Report post Posted January 19, 2011 I used to play 3 or 4 nights a week. Four years ago we had our first son and I was down to one night a week. I could only play on a week night, as weekends are family time. Five months ago we had our second son. Now I'm down to zero nights a week! But for some strange reason, I still keep on buying hockey equipment.... When the kids are a little older, hopefully I'll be able to play at least once a week, in addition to taking them to their sports activities! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ktang 34 Report post Posted January 19, 2011 I gave up hockey for 5 years after my son was born... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Trooper 8 Report post Posted January 21, 2011 I coached about 25 hours a week for the first year when my daughter was born, but our practices and games all started after her bed time, so it didn't take time away from being a father, I was just tired a lot. Then I went to grad school and that was the end of coaching. There's no reason you can't play but make no mistake about it, your family's the #1 priority both financially and time-wise from now on. There's time for hockey and recreation, but it fits in when the rest of your life allows, not the other way around.Edit: Congratulations by the way, there's nothing cooler than being a parent. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
silverclrk 0 Report post Posted January 21, 2011 At the beginning of the season I print out the schedule and generally she's able to watch the kid on game nights (especially because they're late at night after those two have gone to bed). As for the money, it depends on whether or not you're already on a tight budget or if you're spend-happy. I had to tone it down a little, but I budget for league and pickup fees and spread out my purchases (or fund them with work bonuses, gifts, selling things, etc).Great advice thanks I am definatly printing up the schedule for her.Again guys thanks for all the replys and great advice. I really appreciate it. Kind of helps to calm the nerves. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
