Anxiety about being a good enough dad

1w ago·1 min read

Anyone else deal with constant worry that you're screwing up your kids? I have two boys 7 and 9 and I'm always in my head about whether I'm doing enough, being present enough, saying the right things. My wife says I'm fine but I can't shake this feeling that I'm missing something or letting them down somehow. Started having panic attacks at work last month. Thinking about trying therapy but nervous about what they might say.

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Comments(3)

BBrandonNew Dad1w ago

The constant worry is real. I have two boys too and some days I'm convinced I'm messing them up somehow. But then I realize they're turning into good humans and I think maybe I'm doing okay. The fact that you're worried means you care, which means you're already good enough.

SSam T.Regular1w ago

Four kids later and I'm telling you the anxiety never completely goes away, but it does get easier. You start to see the actual results of your parenting instead of just imagining worst case scenarios. Right now you're in the thick of it so everything feels huge.

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LLance K.Regular1w ago

Seven and nine is such a hard age because they're starting to understand more but they still need you so much. The anxiety comes from caring. Honestly just the fact that you're thinking about this means your kids are probably doing fine.