Feeling like I'm failing as a dad and it's eating me alive | DadHQ

Feeling like I'm failing as a dad and it's eating me alive

7h ago1 min read

I had a rough day with my kids today. Lost my temper over something stupid, yelled at my 4 year old for spilling juice. He got scared and cried and I immediately felt like garbage. Now I'm in my room spiraling thinking I'm ruining my kids. My wife says I'm overreacting but I can't shake this feeling that I'm screwing them up. Does anyone else deal with this constant anxiety about being good enough? I'm thinking about talking to someone but I don't even know where to start.

6 comments116 views

Comments(6)

TTyler G.New Dad7h ago

Hey, you recognized what happened and you feel bad about it, which means you're not a failing dad at all. The fact that you care this much is what matters. Kids bounce back quick.

DDean F.Regular6h ago

We've all been there. I lost it over spilled milk once and felt like garbage for days. What helped me was just apologizing to my kid and showing him I was trying to do better. That moment doesn't define you.

BBen M.Regular6h ago

One rough day doesn't erase all the good stuff you do. Kids need to see their parents are human and mess up sometimes. You're clearly doing the real work by being hard on yourself about it.

KKevinNew Dadjust now

The guilt is real but don't let it eat you up. We all have those moments where patience runs out. What matters is what happens next - did you talk to him about it after? That conversation means more than the yelling.

DDanny K.New Dadjust now

I get this feeling at least once a week if I'm being honest. Lost it on my oldest over homework and then had to apologize. Kids are resilient and honestly they forgive faster than we forgive ourselves. You're doing better than you think.

MMarcusNew Dadjust now

You're not failing. I had a moment like that last month and I felt terrible for days. But here's the thing - you feel bad about it, which means you care. Your 4 year old will remember that you're a good dad way more than they'll remember one bad day. The fact that you're aware of it and feeling the weight of it shows you're trying.