Being A Good Dad
Being a good dad is tough. I’m only in control of myself. Which means that I need to influence a youngster to do what’s right without any control.
Being a dad is the best thing that’s ever happened to me, but also the most challenging. Especially with my anxiety and ADHD. I worry a lot and stress about the small stuff quite a bit. Ultimately I need to remember that everything will workout okay and to roll with what life gives me.
My 7 year-old has a mind of his own, as he should. He is very headstrong and wants to be independent, but he also wants to know that I’m here if he needs me to help.
The trick is to give him just enough freedom to feel like he has some control over his life, but not too much where I and/or my wife can’t keep him safe.
When he was young (baby and toddler age) he needed me all the time. Then I was looking forward to these independent years. But now that we’re here, I miss him needing me.
Now I have to walk a tightrope of when to help him and when to leave him alone to do his own thing. I’m not going to lie, it’s tough — really tough.
All I can do is be here for him and help him on his journey. Try not to drive him crazy by being over bearing, but being present enough for him to know that I care and love him. Because I do, with all my heart.
Photo by Ante Hamersmit on Unsplash