I'm constantly worried that I'm messing everything up as a dad. Like did I yell too much today? Am I teaching them the wrong things? Is my anxiety rubbing off on them? I know logically this is probably normal dad stuff but my brain won't shut up about it. Started therapy last month but not feeling much different yet. Anyone else dealt with this?
Real talk, those second-guessing thoughts are the anxiety talking, not reality. Most kids remember feeling loved way more than they remember a day you raised your voice. Have you considered talking to someone professional about this?
That anxiety spiral is brutal. I do the same thing constantly, replaying conversations and wondering if I'm screwing them up. But the fact that you're even worried about it means you care, and that matters more than being perfect.
New dad here and already dealing with this. The anxiety about whether I'm doing it right is constant, but I'm learning that my kid just needs me present and trying my best. Sounds like you're doing that already.
I used to be exactly like this. The constant loop of 'did I do that right' was exhausting. Therapy helped me realize I'm way harder on myself than my kids ever are on me.
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The fact that you're even worried about this stuff means you're already a good dad. Terrible parents don't lose sleep wondering if they messed up. But yeah, this level of anxiety might benefit from some actual support.