Feeling pretty lonely as a dad sometimes | DadHQ

Feeling pretty lonely as a dad sometimes

2w ago1 min read

Don't get me wrong I love my kids and my wife but there's this weird loneliness that comes with being a dad. Everyone expects you to be the strong one who has it figured out. You can't really complain to other guys because of pride or whatever. My best friends are all busy with their own families so we barely see each other. It's a strange feeling having people around you all the time but still feeling isolated. Anyone else feel like this? How do you deal with it?

7 comments131 views

Comments(7)

KKyleNew Dad2w ago

Have you thought about getting back into a hobby or activity just for you? Sometimes that isolation comes from losing yourself in the dad role.

BBrandonRegular2w ago

This is real. I think a lot of us feel this but don't talk about it enough. The loneliness is weird because you're never actually alone.

TTrevor M.New Dad2w ago

I get this completely. Even when everything is going well with the family there's still this weird empty feeling sometimes. You're not alone in feeling that way.

TTrevor M.New Dad2w ago

The dawn runs before the kids wake up are the only time I get to myself anymore. That loneliness you're describing might actually be about needing more space that's just yours, not about your family relationships. Have you tried carving out even 30 minutes a day that's completely for you?

MMarkRegular2w ago

I get this completely. Being present with them every single day at preschool pick-up and drop-off, I'm around them constantly, but there's still this emptiness that hits when they go to bed. It's like the job is never really done and you can't just turn it off.

DDanielRegular2w ago

Yeah man, parenting can be isolating even though you're constantly around people. Do you have other dads to connect with?

DDanielRegular2w ago

Man, this hits home. With three kids it should be the opposite of lonely but somehow it still creeps in. I think it's because you're always in 'dad mode' and never just get to be yourself. The backyard helps me, just sitting out there after everyone's asleep.