Gaming Guide for New Parents

Earlier this year my wife and I brought our first little one into the world. He’s amazing and everything is going great, but as all of you veteran parents out there know things are going to change. One of the things that I quickly realized I had to change was my gaming habit. Now that a several months have passed life is starting to settle down and I think I’ve learned some tips that I wanted to share with my fellow parents (and prospective parents). 

1. Reduce gaming frequency. Yeah, you thought you were going to get away with playing just as much as you used to, didn't you? Nah, it’s just not going to happen. It just isn’t. I used to go to my local gaming club twice a week, Tuesday nights and Saturday mornings. On the weekend sometimes I wouldn't get back home until the afternoon. That just doesn't work anymore. You’re SO is going to really appreciate all the help they can get with your spawnling (which is vital for tip #2) so make sure you’re actually around to help. So far I’ve reduced it to once a week during a week night, and that seems to be working out pretty well so far. 
2. Cultivate those brownie points. Grow and lovingly nourish that pile of brownie points. This is the key to getting in some gaming. Help out as much as you can around the house. Do dishes. Change diapers. Fold laundry. With all of your good deeds how can you not but be rewarded? 
3. Redeem brownie points. When you go to play games on your game night, or when you want to get some painting in, cash in those brownie points to play or paint guilt free. Well, maybe a better way of saying it is that you’ve at least payed your dues and earned some game/paint time. 
4. Try to stay awake. Gone are the days of 4-5 hour painting sessions. If you want to get some painting done you’re going to have to do it in small increments, which means paint while baby is sleeping. Or better yet while the baby and SO are sleeping. Sure, this means YOU’RE not sleeping, but those models aren’t going to paint themselves, are they? 
5. Game consolidation. Pick a few of the games that you truly enjoy and stick to them. You’re not going to have as much time to game now, so make sure that when you do you’re at least having as much fun as possible. Personally, I’ve been sticking to painting my Bretonnians to getting in games with them as I can. 
6. Plan games. Planning games ahead of time can be a huge time saver (it also helps with tip #7). You can arrive at the hobby store ready to play straight out of the gate and you know for sure that you have a game. There is nothing more frustrating then leaving to get some games in and standing around twiddling your thumbs. 
7. Communication. Good communication, as it often is, is vital to a healthy relationship. Make sure that you communicate with your SO any events or games you might have scheduled far in advance so that it isn’t a surprise to anyone. 
8. Enjoy your family. Our own little man nugget has only just arrived and already it seems like it’s going by way to fast. Enjoy your family because while games come and go, your family will always be there. Cherish the crap out of them. 

That’s the guide! Follow it and reap the gaming happiness that it brings you. And in no time at all, you’re little guy or gal is going to be ready to play games with you too! I know that my son is pretty much destined to be as much as a gamer as his mom and dad. :D