[first_log]

I'm in a similar position, but 10 years older. My oldest kid is 13. I think its possible to put too much emphasis on family. Yes, parents have an obligation and most love their kids and will want to spend time with them but it can absolutely go to far. Balance is necessary. Going too far is a suffocating, robotic way to live in my experience. I honestly feel like a machine, going here, doing this, day after day with no free will of my own.

The counter to this is having a life of your own outside the family. For me these are outdoor sports and adventures. Something that makes me feel truly alive. Every time I go I come back feeling like a better person and ready to face another round of the interminable monotony of family life. If you want to meet people and have something to talk about then I would suggest a hobby that involves skill or equipment. Road or mountain bike riding would be a good one.

I also have found that once my kids are about 10 they suddenly don't need or want me as much and are more interested in friends. I've been extremely dedicated to my family and did so many things with my kids, its a bit hard to see them growing up and separating but necessary and nice in it's own way of course.

Family can be great, and is a rewarding experience at times and of course and loving obligation. Sounds like you are happy but just need a little adventure in your life. Something that a relatively simple hobby would perfectly satisfy while detracting very little from your family life overall. Think about the big picture, kids will grow up, a few hours or even a whole day on the weekend for your hobby is no big deal.