I'm constantly worried that I'm screwing up my kids. Like, every decision I make I second-guess it. Did I yell too much today? Should I have spent more time with them instead of working? I feel like I'm failing them and it's making my anxiety so much worse. My wife says I'm a great dad but I can't believe her. Anyone else deal with this constant self-doubt?
I hear you on this. The constant second-guessing is exhausting. What helped me was realizing that being a 'good dad' isn't about making perfect decisions, it's about showing up and trying. You're already doing that.
Managing this across two households makes the anxiety even worse sometimes. What I've realized is that my kids just want me present and authentic. Perfection isn't possible and they don't need it.
You're not alone in this. I have two kids and still question every call I make. The fact that you care this much means you're already a good dad. Kids are resilient.
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This anxiety is real and it hits hard. I had to talk to someone about mine because it was affecting how I showed up with my kids. They can sense when you're spiraling and it affects them too.