Struggling to lead by example when I'm failing | DadHQ

Struggling to lead by example when I'm failing

Feb 251 min read

Guys, I'm having a rough time. My kids are watching me and I know it. I lost my temper with my oldest yesterday over something stupid and immediately felt convicted. How do I teach them about patience and grace when I'm clearly wrestling with the same stuff? I pray about it but some days I feel like I'm just going through the motions. Anyone else dealing with this gap between who you want to be and who you actually are in front of your kids?

6 comments209 views

Comments(6)

TTony G.RegularFeb 25

You're human, not a robot. I've been there during those rough stretches and honestly recognizing it is half the battle. Kids are resilient and they learn more from seeing you handle your mistakes than from you being perfect.

BBrad H.RegularFeb 25

Man, the fact that you're aware of it and care this much already puts you ahead. I lost it on my daughter last week over spilled milk and felt awful, but what matters is how you bounce back. Your kids will remember that you apologized more than they remember the outburst.

TTom R.RegularFeb 25

The trail always teaches me that the steepest climbs matter the most. You're doing the hard work of being aware and that's what leadership looks like. One moment doesn't define the whole journey you're on with your kids.

TTravis N.RegularFeb 25

You're being hard on yourself. Kids watch us mess up and recover from it all the time. That's actually the lesson sometimes. What matters is you know you lost it and you're thinking about it now. Talk to your oldest about it, own it.

MMike P.New DadFeb 26

We all lose it sometimes. The fact that you're worried about it means you care. That matters more than you think.

DDavid K.New DadFeb 26

Dude, rough day. But leading by example doesn't mean being perfect. It means trying and failing and trying again. Your kids will see that if you let them. Apologize, move forward, do better tomorrow.