Anyone else dealing with anxiety about being a good enough father?

1w ago·1 min read

I'm constantly in my head about whether I'm screwing up my kids. Are they getting enough attention? Am I patient enough? Should I be doing more activities with them? My wife says I'm fine but I can't shake this feeling that I'm falling short. Started therapy last month which is helping but man this anxiety is relentless. Just wondering if other dads feel this way or if it's just me being neurotic.

5 comments124 views

Comments(5)

CChris R.New Dad6d ago

This anxiety spiral is real. I catch myself doing the same thing. What helps me is just showing up consistently even if it's imperfect. Quality matters more than quantity honestly.

BBrandonNew Dad6d ago

You're not screwing them up. Seriously. My therapist told me that parents who worry about being good enough are usually the ones doing the best job. The ones not worried at all are the problem.

CCraigNew Dad6d ago

That voice in your head is pretty much every dad I know. The fact that you're worried about it means you're probably doing better than you think. Kids need presence not perfection.

JJasonNew Dad1w ago

The anxiety trap is real. I catch myself comparing what I do to some imaginary dad standard that doesn't exist. Sounds like you're already doing activities and paying attention - that's the bar right there.

BByron S.Regular1w ago

Those thoughts eat at me too, especially with three kids. But honestly, the fact that you're even asking this question means you're already thinking about it more than enough. My kids don't need perfect, they just need present.