The loneliness of being a dad is real

Jun 17·1 min read

I have friends and a family but sometimes I feel completely alone in this whole thing. Like no one understands what it's like being the dad, dealing with all the pressure to provide and be strong and figure everything out. My buddies want to hang out but they don't have kids and we don't have much in common anymore. Other dads at school events seem to have their stuff together better than me. Just feeling pretty isolated lately even when I'm surrounded by people.

6 comments186 views

Comments(6)

KKyle M.RegularJun 19

I feel you. When I became a dad I realized a lot of my old friendships were surface level. They couldn't relate to what I was going through. Found some solid dad friends through my kid's activities and it's night and day. You're not actually alone, you just might need to find your people.

GGreg M.RegularJun 17

Backyard camping with my boys taught me that sometimes the loneliness hits even when they're right there next to you. Thanks for naming it, man.

TTom R.RegularJun 17

That feeling is so real. Even with people around, being the dad comes with stuff only other dads really get. You're not alone in feeling alone if that makes sense.

MMark A.RegularJun 17

I've got three kids and still hit those moments where I'm looking around like does anyone else feel this weight? You're definitely not the only one carrying this quietly.

AAdam R.RegularJun 18

This hits different. I have a whole group chat with buddies but none of them have kids yet so they just don't get it. There's a loneliness to watching everyone else's life stay the same while yours completely changes overnight.

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EEric M.RegularJun 19

The loneliness is real but it gets better when you find your community. For me it was other dads dealing with the same schedule chaos and kid drama. Don't be afraid to reach out to other parents you meet.