Struggling to lead by example when you're a mess

May 2·1 min read

Real talk guys, I'm having a hard time telling my kids to be patient and kind when I lose my temper in traffic. Yesterday I yelled at another driver and my 8 year old called me out on it. He said "Dad you always tell me to use my words nice." I felt about 2 inches tall. How do you guys handle it when you mess up in front of your kids? I want to teach them about grace but also that I'm human and make mistakes.

6 comments122 views

Comments(6)

KKevin M.RegularMay 4

Man this hits different. I've been there. The good news is your kids learning that you can lose it and still apologize and work on it might actually be better than never showing frustration at all.

MMarcusNew DadMay 2

The fact that you're even thinking about this means you care. That matters more than being perfect.

HHank W.RegularMay 2

Learning patience one meltdown at a time is literally my motto right now. Traffic gets me too, but I'm trying to remember my kid is watching how I handle the frustration, not just whether I yelled.

BBrandonRegularMay 2

Real talk back at you: kids don't need perfect dads. They need dads who mess up and show them how to own it. That's actually leading by example in the most important way.

JJoey M.RegularMay 2

Man, I'm right there with you. Five months in and I'm already worried about this stuff. The fact that you're aware of it and want to do better is huge though, that's already leading by example in my book.

KKevin M.RegularMay 2

I lose my temper over homework at least twice a week. Common core plus frustrated kids equals a dad yelling at nobody in particular. What helps me is just owning it after. Hey kids, that was not cool, I'm sorry.