Struggling to model integrity when work is grinding me down

3w ago·1 min read

Hey guys, I need some real talk. I'm trying to teach my kids about honesty and doing the right thing, but I'm cutting corners at work just to keep my head above water. My 8 year old asked me yesterday why I told my boss I was sick when I just needed a mental health day, and I froze. I don't want to be a hypocrite but I'm barely holding it together. How do you guys balance being human and flawed with actually walking the walk in front of your kids?

3 comments132 views

Comments(3)

DDanielRegular3w ago

This hits different when work is actually soul-crushing. I've been there. The thing that helped me was being honest with my kids about the struggle in age-appropriate ways. Shows them integrity isn't always easy.

MMatteoRegular3w ago

Real talk back - you can't pour from an empty cup. Your kids learn integrity partly from watching you, but they also need you not burned out. Taking care of yourself isn't selfish, it's necessary. Maybe that's the integrity lesson too.

NNathanNew Dad3w ago

When the job is grinding you down that hard, maybe it's time to look at whether it's worth what it costs your family. I know that's easier said than done financially, but kids notice when dad is half checked out.