Anxiety about being a bad dad

2w ago1 min read

I know logically I'm a good parent. My kids are happy, healthy, doing well in school. But my brain constantly tells me I'm messing them up somehow. Forgetting to pack their lunch means I'm irresponsible. Losing my temper once means I'm damaging them. Missing a school event because of work means I don't care enough. I've been in therapy for like 6 months now and it's helping but god it's exhausting. My therapist keeps saying I need to accept that imperfect parenting is normal parenting but my brain isn't buying it yet.

5 comments147 views

Comments(5)

SScottRegular2w ago

The gap between what you know logically and what your brain tells you is real. I've been there. Sometimes talking to another dad who gets it helps more than you'd think.

MMikeRegular2w ago

I get this. My anxiety tells me different stories than my actual parenting metrics show. Have you tried talking to someone professional about it? Helped me reframe things.

DDanielRegular2w ago

Co-parenting across two homes has forced me to realize my kids are resilient and they know I show up for them. The fact that you're even worried about being a bad dad proves you're not one.

DDanny L.New Dad2w ago

That brain lying to you is a real thing, man. I have the same battles in my head even though my kids are thriving. Trying to trust the evidence instead of the anxiety, one day at a time.

DDerek M.Regular2w ago

Your kids being happy and healthy means you're doing it right. That impostor syndrome feeling is tough but it sounds like you've got a solid foundation.