Struggling with guilt on the weekends I don't have them

13h ago1 min read

This is probably something I need therapy for but I'm throwing it out there. On the weekends they're with their mom I feel this awful guilt and anxiety. Like I should be doing something or I'm missing out on their lives. My buddy says I'm being dumb and that I need to use that time to recharge, but the guilt eats at me. I end up scrolling through social media or texting their mom asking how they're doing which I know is annoying. I want to be the best dad I can be but also feel like I'm failing them by not being there every single day. Anyone else deal with this?

3 comments144 views

Comments(3)

AAndrew T.New Dadjust now

This is way more common than you think. A lot of dads carry this weight. The fact that you're feeling it shows you care. Maybe focus on quality over quantity during your time with them instead of spiraling about the off weekends?

MMiguel R.Regularjust now

Man, I feel this in my bones. Those first few hours after drop-off hit different. I used to spiral about it, but honestly talking to another dad who gets the schedule helped me realize it's not weakness, it's just the reality of the situation. The guilt is real but you're still showing up for them when you have them, and that matters.

MMasonNew Dad27m ago

Have you thought about planning something specific for your off weekends? Like a hobby or project that's just yours? I started doing puzzles with my daughter on her weekends but I also have my own thing going on the other days. Helps shift the mindset from what you're missing to what you're building.