VENT: Can we talk about how nobody asks if dads are okay?

Jan 6·1 min read

My daughter had a rough school year, lots of concerns about her social anxiety, and everyone was checking in on her constantly. Rightfully so. But nobody once asked how I was handling it. Because apparently I'm just the support system, not someone who also needs support? I was stressed, worried, had been reading all these parenting books at 2 AM, felt like I was failing her. But sure, I'm fine, I'm the dad. Ugh. Sorry for the rant but this has been bugging me.

5 comments329 views

Comments(5)

DDerekNew DadJan 7

This deserves way more attention. Everyone was texting my wife about our daughter's anxiety but literally zero people asked how I was handling it. As if dads don't process that stuff too.

DDerek M.RegularJan 8

I felt this in my bones. When my son was struggling with school stuff I was managing a lot of worry but somewhere in there I also felt like I couldn't fully talk about being worried because I was supposed to be the stable one.

BBob G.RegularJan 9

The expectation that we're just automatically fine is wild. Like we don't have nervous systems too.

BBrandonNew DadJan 9

Real talk, I had to kind of force my therapist conversation into existence instead of it being suggested. Everyone jumps to ask moms if they need support and there's this assumption that dads are fine.

MMike T.RegularJan 9

Have you found any good resources for this? I'm genuinely asking because I don't know where dads usually turn for this stuff.