Pursuing Your Passions as a New Parent: How Fatherhood Helped Me Evolve My Dreams

Introduction

A proud Nerdy New Dad, smiling ear to ear, holding his newborn son in the hospital. 

Myself and my son Miles.

“Becoming a parent is one of the most transformative experiences you can go through, but for many, it can also feel like the end of the hobbies, dreams, and passions they once enjoyed. If you’ve ever felt like having a child means you have to put your life on hold, I want to tell you it doesn’t really have to be that way.”

My Journey: From Cringy Videos to Fatherhood and Blogging

I’ve always had a passion for gaming and content creation. I remember all the cringy videos I made when I was younger, just for the fun of sharing what I loved. A year and a half ago, I started streaming under my old gamertag, Roniiisan, and was excited about connecting with others through gaming. I loved those small, encouraging communities that popped up, and I felt like I had found my place.

Now, fast forward to today—everything’s changed. I’m a dad, and my son has brought a level of joy I couldn’t have imagined. But becoming a father didn’t mean that my passions stopped—it just meant they had to evolve.

Evolving Passions, Not Ending Them

My son sharing his happiness, one smile at a time.

When I first became a dad, I thought maybe gaming and creating content would take a back seat. But then I realized, why does it have to? Being a dad didn’t mean the end of my journey, it meant adjusting the path I was on. That’s the key I want to share with other new parents.

Your passions—whether it’s gaming, music, writing, or building a business—don’t have to be abandoned. Sure, they might look different, and the time you have for them might be limited, but they’re still worth pursuing.

Creating this Blog: A New Dream

A NerdyNewFamily

For me, one of the ways I’ve evolved my passion is by creating this blog. I wanted to keep sharing what I love, but in a way that fits my new life as a parent. This blog has given me the space to create content and connect with others who are going through similar things.

Whether it’s late-night gaming sessions, writing about my experiences, or even thinking about launching a business someday, I’ve learned that being a dad doesn’t mean your dreams stop—it just means finding ways to incorporate them into your life.

The Importance of Following Your Dreams (For You and Your Kids)

Here’s what I’ve realized: following your dreams is not only something you do for yourself—it’s something you do for your kids too. I want my son to grow up seeing that his dad didn’t give up on his passions. I want to set the example that chasing your dreams is important, even if it’s challenging.

It’s easy to feel like you need to give up your hobbies and ambitions once you become a parent, but by continuing to work towards them, you’re teaching your kids the value of perseverance, passion, and self-care.

Finding Balance: Family First, But Don’t Forget Yourself

Credit: Shiva Smyth on Pexels

Now, don’t get me wrong—family is my top priority. There are nights when I’m exhausted from late feedings, diaper changes, and work. But I’ve learned to carve out small moments of time for myself. Whether it’s streaming after my son goes to bed, writing while he naps, or playing a quick game when I have a break—it’s about finding balance.

I want to encourage every new parent to find that balance too. Whether you love painting, photography, cooking, gaming, or starting a business, there’s always a way to integrate your passions into your life without losing sight of your family.

Practical Tips for Balancing Parenthood and Your Passions:

• Be Flexible: Your schedule will change constantly as a parent. You may not have the same amount of time, but if you’re flexible and adaptable, you can still find pockets of time to do what you love.

• Involve Your Family: Share your passions with your children. As they grow, include them in your hobbies. Whether it’s introducing them to a video game, taking them along for a photo shoot, or involving them in cooking or crafting, you can turn your hobbies into bonding moments.

• Prioritize Self-Care: Taking time for yourself isn’t selfish. Doing what you love will help you recharge and be the best parent you can be. It’s okay to make time for yourself—even just a little—because it’ll make a huge difference.

You Got This: Encouragement for New Parents

Credit: Prateek Katyal on Pexels

To all the new dads and moms out there: I want to tell you that your life isn’t over because you’ve become a parent. Your passions and hobbies are still yours. They might evolve, and you might have to get creative with your time, but they are absolutely worth pursuing.

Whether you’re into gaming, sports, music, or starting a business, don’t let fatherhood or motherhood stop you from doing what you love. Keep pushing forward, find your balance, and remember that your child will benefit from seeing you chase your dreams.

Being Present: A Journey Through Emotions

A father holding his 4-month-old son wrapped in a towel, both smiling after bath time, with the quote ‘It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being present.’

When my son was born, I was overwhelmed with joy, love, and gratitude. It was the happiest moment of my life. But shortly after, those feelings were joined by something else—nervousness and worry. I found myself questioning if I was good enough, if I could be the father my son deserved. That constant worry led me down a path where I felt like I was losing myself. I was so caught up in stressing over things I couldn’t control that I wasn’t being present with my family, and I certainly wasn’t enjoying the moment.

I spent so much time worrying about being the perfect father that I wasn’t actually being the father I could have been in those early days. I wasn’t fully engaged with my family or my passions, and it felt like I was living in fear rather than love. I searched for answers, read advice, but it often made me feel even more guilty.

Then I realized something that changed everything: time doesn’t slow down. I had to be present, to accept that fatherhood was a new chapter in my life. Once I stopped living in the future and started focusing on the present, I felt happier. I could finally enjoy my time with my family and also get back to my passions. My son didn’t just change my life; he inspired me to chase my dreams more fully, to be the role model I wanted to be for him.

Sharing this now, I hope it serves as a reminder to anyone who might feel the same way. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, but don’t lose sight of what’s right in front of you. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being present.

Final Thoughts

Going for a walk at sunrise.

Parenthood has changed me in the best way possible, but it hasn’t stopped me from being “me.” I hope that by sharing my story, I can encourage you to continue pursuing your own passions—whatever they may be.

So, here’s my final piece of advice: keep going. You’ve got this. Chase your dreams, embrace fatherhood or motherhood, and make time for the things that make you who you are. Your family and your dreams can coexist—and they should.