Becoming a dad changed everything. Time, priorities, sleep all reshuffled overnight. I love being a parent, but like a lot of dads, I found myself wondering what happened to all the things I used to enjoy. The games, the hobbies, the time to just be me for a bit.
That’s where the idea for Left4Dad came from. It's a little play on words (gamers will get it), but the meaning runs deeper — how much time is actually left for dads once the day is done? Between working full time and raising a young child, I don’t have hours to spare. What I do have are pockets of time, 10 minutes here, 30 minutes there, and I wanted to make the most of them.
At first I thought I’d just write about gaming as I’ve been a Nintendo fan since I could hold a controller. Further to this, It was my dad that bought me my first Nintendo console. More recently, portable gaming has been a lifesaver. Being able to pick up the Switch and squeeze in a quick session during nap time or late at night has helped me stay connected to something I’ve always loved. But as I thought about it more, I realised my interests don’t stop at games.
I love camping. I try to keep fit. I’m interested in gear, routines, the little hacks that make life smoother. Left4Dad is a space for all of that — a place to talk about any hobby or interest that fits into the margins of a busy dad life.
I’m not particularly tech-savvy, either. I didn’t grow up building websites, and I’m not a designer. Google Sites seemed simple enough to try, and honestly, just getting something live felt like a small win. I’m learning as I go what works, what looks okay, what doesn’t crash. If this site ever feels rough around the edges, that’s probably because it is. But I figure it’s better to start messy than never start at all.
I don’t have big ambitions for Left4Dad. I’m not trying to be a YouTuber or start a brand. I just wanted to build a small corner of the internet that reflects what life really looks like for dads who still want to enjoy their hobbies even when the time is short and the energy is low.
If you’re a dad who’s trying to fit in gaming, hiking, fitness, or whatever else keeps you sane, I hope this site helps you feel a bit more seen. And maybe even gives you a few ideas for how to make time for what you love without needing to quit your job or skip bedtime stories.
Thanks for being here.
– Dad, out.
