For Dads Who Question Their Success or Ability as a Parent

Frequently, friends, family, colleagues, and parents of all kinds tell me they wish they could have been a better parent or, they wonder if they are doing enough, did enough, or did things in the right way.

My deeply felt, honest response is, “There is no prescription for parenting.”

Really, there is no prescription for anything in life. We just all move through it, hopefully trying our best and doing it with love.

I’m not a parent, but I do fully know that parenting is not at all easy.

For all dads out there who love their kids and are trying their best, your love and your fight for your children is commendable. This is a day to celebrate what it means to be a Father.

The moments of love and moments of disconnect. Times of approval and times of disagreements. Moments of frustration, moments of laughter, moments of regret.

The reprimands.

The fear.

The celebrations.

The successes.

The falling short.

The not knowing if you are doing it right or did it right.

The baby years when there is little sleep.

The toddler years when everything is bustling around and you pray for a break.

The teen years when the hugs are less frequent.

The adult years when they go off on their own and you pray for the best for them.

The constant trying.

The love.

Celebrate the challenges and triumphs in the face of mistakes, confusion, and questioning.

Remember, there is no prescription for parenting or for life - we just all move through it, living, trying, failing, succeeding, learning.

If you’ve fathered with love and effort, I commend you. Today is your day.

Happy Father’s Day, Dads.