Struggling with the comparison game—other dads seem to have it figured out | DadHQ

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Struggling with the comparison game—other dads seem to have it figured out

Jan 18·1 min read

Every time I go to the park or my kids' school I see these dads who seem so engaged and happy and put-together and I feel like I'm just... existing. Like, they're coaching Little League, they know all the other parents, they seem happy. Meanwhile I'm barely keeping my head above water with work, two kids, and just trying not to feel like a failure. I know comparison is the thief of joy or whatever but how do you actually stop doing it? It's eating me alive tbh.

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Comments(5)

JJayRegularJan 20

Man, this hits different. I spent last weekend watching a dad at the soccer field help his kid with stretches and give actual coaching feedback and I felt like a fraud just standing there checking my phone.

MMike R.RegularJan 20

I had to literally stop going to the park at peak hours because of this exact feeling. Started going early morning instead and honestly felt better just not seeing the comparison happening live.

NNick G.RegularJan 20

The comparison trap is real but those guys probably have their own 3am panic spirals going on. You're just seeing the highlight reel at pickup time.

TTyler S.New DadJan 20

What matters is your kids know you're there. They don't need the Pinterest version of engaged, they just need present.

FFinn M.RegularJan 19

Have you tried talking to any of these dads? Might realize they're faking it too and stressed about different things.