British dad sleeps in backyard tent to save marriage

In a recent interview, 33-year-old Chloe shared how her family has adapted to the pressures of parenting two young children, including a newborn named Inigo and a two-year-old named Fabian. She and her husband, Stuart, often found themselves overwhelmed by the demands of their new life.

“One day, Stuart surprised me by saying he wanted to sleep in a tent in the backyard,” Chloe recalled, clearly taken aback. As a middle school teacher who puts in long hours and juggles childcare duties after work, Stuart’s suggestion made Chloe wonder if he was experiencing a midlife crisis.

However, Stuart’s idea stemmed from a book he read titled “Microadventures.” The book describes how engaging in small adventures can help people revitalize and improve their mental well-being in the midst of a busy and exhausting life. For Stuart, his “microadventure” involved camping out in their backyard while the rest of the family slept.

Initially, friends and family found the concept odd and even misinterpreted it as Chloe “kicking” Stuart out. Despite this, Chloe fully supported her husband’s decision. She recognized that a father’s mental health is often overlooked in family dynamics, and she wanted to help alleviate Stuart’s stress from various household responsibilities.

Since Stuart started camping in the backyard, the atmosphere at home has dramatically shifted. He reported that during his first night camping, not only did he enjoy a solid night’s sleep, but he also woke up to a beautiful sunrise, which reinvigorated him in ways he hadn’t felt in a long time.

Both Chloe and Stuart believe that this unique “tent therapy” has improved their communication and strengthened their relationship. With Stuart returning more energetic, he’s been more capable of helping with the children. While this lifestyle may not be for everyone, for them, these “microadventures” have become an effective strategy for managing the stresses of parenting.