Anxiety about being a bad dad is consuming me

5d ago·1 min read

I know logically I'm doing okay. My kids are healthy, fed, loved. But every mistake I make plays on repeat in my head. Forgot my son's permission slip yesterday and he was upset with me. I literally couldn't sleep thinking about how I let him down. This happens constantly and it's exhausting. Started having panic attacks about stuff that hasn't even happened yet. Finally made an appointment with someone but the first available slot is 3 weeks away.

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Comments(3)

RRob K.Regular5d ago

That anxiety loop is rough, man. I deal with the same thing co-parenting. The thing is, kids are resilient and they care way more about feeling loved than about perfect execution. One forgotten slip doesn't define you as a parent.

AAndrew T.New Dad5d ago

Hey, the fact that you're worried about this stuff means you're NOT a bad dad. Bad dads don't lose sleep over a forgotten permission slip. I forget things constantly between work and the boys, and my kids still know I'd do anything for them.

IIan P.Regular5d ago

Permission slips are going to happen. My daughter probably thinks I'm the most forgetful person alive, but she also knows I show up for her. That's what matters. Give yourself some grace here.