I grew up an avid gamer. But now, among my 50-hour work week, helping my kids with their math homework, grocery shopping, and house chores, I’m no longer able to find enough free time to really dive into a game. I mostly play casual games that I can drop in and out of but forget about the 40hr+ games requiring commitment. Despite not having the free time to game like I used to, I do enjoy watching my kids play while I’m doing other things around the house and then listen to them telling me about their accomplishments afterwards. I would like to hear from community members with similar circumstance about how you manage your time.

  • Naatan@beehaw.org
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    1 year ago

    Joining the parent club in about 3 months, but in preparation, I’ve purchased a “Couchmaster lapboard” and I cannot recommend it enough. Having shoulder support basically makes it feel like you’re sitting at your desk but comfortably on the couch. The only issue is the couch itself; if it has a lot of bounce you’re gonna have a wobbly desk any time someone sits / stands up from the couch.

    Btw I’ve since found you can pretty much just buy some upholstery foam, cut it, put a plank over it and have your very own “Couchmaster” for roughly $20 instead of $200…

    • lemmyatom@beehaw.orgOP
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      1 year ago

      Congratulations! I always appreciate the creativity of new parents trying to find ways to keep life the way it was. Not to discourage you from trying, but I honestly hope you can succeed where most of us have failed.

      • Naatan@beehaw.org
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        1 year ago

        I’m not too worried. I’m already gaming less and less just out of personal lack of interest. Modern games just don’t do it for me, and I’ve accepted I have become part of an older generation. Once in a while it’s fun to play a new (or old) game that piques my interest, and when I have some time to kill I might play a round of Overwatch.

        But yeah totally recognize that for those who still game many hours a day there’s not going to be a perfect solution. Your gaming hobby WILL suffer. But that’s probably a good thing; tiny human is the bigger priority (until they’re old enough for player two…).