Anxiety about being a good enough dad

4d ago·1 min read

Anyone else here deal with constant anxiety about whether they're screwing up their kids? I find myself replaying conversations with my son over and over, worrying that I said something wrong or wasn't patient enough. My wife says I'm being too hard on myself but I can't shake this feeling that I'm failing them somehow. Started seeing a therapist last month and she said this is pretty common but man it's exhausting.

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Comments(7)

BBrandonNew Dad4d ago

That anxious replay thing is so real. If you're worried about screwing up, you're probably doing better than you think. The fact that you care this much says a lot.

CChris R.Regular4d ago

Snow days and bedtime stories taught me that kids are way more forgiving than we give them credit for. You're being a good enough dad because you're showing up and trying.

TTony M.Regular4d ago

Dude, I get it. Three kids and I still second-guess conversations I had weeks ago. But my kids keep coming back, keep trusting me, and yours will too. You're doing fine.

RRichardRegular3d ago

You're not screwing them up. The fact that you're worried about it means you're probably doing better than you think. Kids are more resilient than we give them credit for.

CCodyNew Dad3d ago

Yeah man constant worry here too. With work taking so much time I feel like I'm always falling short. But my wife keeps reminding me that showing up is what matters.

AAntonioRegular3d ago

This hits me hard because yeah, I think about it constantly. Like am I doing enough? Am I messing them up? But then I remember I'm at least asking the question which means I probably care more than most.

KKevin M.New Dad3d ago

Dude the anxiety is the worst part. I had this bad when my daughter was born. Turns out therapy actually helped me work through it. Still get the thoughts but I handle them better now.