Anyone else struggle with guilt as a parent?

D

4d ago1 min read

I know I'm a good dad but I can't shake this feeling like I'm not doing enough. Missing my oldest's soccer game last week because of work is still eating at me even though there's like 10 more games this season. My therapist says it's perfectionism but knowing that doesn't really help. How do you guys deal with the guilt of not being there for everything?

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Comments(4)

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LLance K.Regular3d ago

I deal with this all the time with three kids. Can't be everywhere at once. What helps me is remembering that presence matters more than perfection.

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SSam T.Regular3d ago

Missing one game doesn't define you as a parent. One missed event versus all the times you ARE there matters way more. Don't let that guilt eat you up.

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TTony M.New Dad4d ago

That guilt is real and honestly every good dad I know feels it. But think about it this way: you're thinking about it, which means you care. Bad dads don't feel guilty.

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MMarcoNew Dad4d ago

This feeling gets easier but it never fully goes away. Just remember that your kids don't keep score the way you do. They just want you to be you.

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