Getting Through The Tough Times of Fatherhood

We’ve said it once, and we’ll say it again — fatherhood is a rollercoaster of a journey. In simpler words, being a dad is hard. It’s a blessing we wouldn’t trade for anything, but at the same time, fatherhood comes with its fair share of challenges and obstacles.

Whether it’s the sleepless nights, toddler tantrums, or the dreaded teenage rebellious years, being a dad is a tough, full-time job.

You’re not alone with all these, though. Millions have gone through similar fatherhood difficulties and tough times as you are now. You have plenty of fellow fathers who can offer advice and guidance through all those difficult dad times.

That’s exactly what I’ll be doing today — sharing some of the best tips and techniques I’ve learned throughout my fatherhood journey, in hopes of helping you get through the fatherhood hump you’re facing.

Acknowledge It

Solving any issue or problem starts with recognizing and acknowledging it. You can’t start solving the problem if you bury your head in the dirt.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed out, or just plain exhausted from being a dad, take a step back and acknowledge it. Take the time to recognize what issue you’re struggling with, and let yourself feel — not just the positive emotions like happiness, but also negative ones like anger, sadness, loss, or whatever it may be. Bottling up all your emotions and worries will only harm you in the long run, making it more difficult to get through the issue you’re facing.

Remember, it’s completely normal to experience difficulties in your role as a parent. More importantly, it’s okay to not have everything under control all the time. You aren’t perfect, and you don’t have to be! You’re only human.

Seek Support From Loved Ones and Friends

One of the most important things to remember when you’re going through difficult dad times is that you don’t have to go through it alone. We mean this very literally.

Seeking support from others can make all the difference. Let yourself lean on your partner, family members, or even other dads on the internet.

We know that sometimes (or rather, most of the time) us men find it hard to admit we need help. This is especially true when we become the man of the house. After all, we’re supposed to be the person our loved ones can rely on for help.

However, that doesn’t mean that we can’t rely on others as well. It’s a give-and-take relationship. Just as your loved ones rely on you, you can also seek support from them. If you really find it difficult to lean on your family or friends for now, there are still other options. You can join support groups, either online or in person, and seek help from other dads experiencing the same problems as you.

Get Professional Help

If things are getting tough, and you’re finding it difficult to cope — even with the support of your loved ones — then it’s time to seek professional help. This could be in the form of therapy or counseling sessions with a trained mental health professional.

There are experts for practically any topic or issue you can think of — from anxiety and grief to family problems, child development, and everything in between.

Always keep in mind that there is absolutely no shame in seeking professional help when times get rough. In fact, it shows strength and courage to recognize that you need assistance and to take action to ensure you get it. 

Take Care of Your Body

If you’re struggling emotionally or mentally, taking care of your physical body can go a long way. Remember, your mental and physical well-being are closely connected. Improving your physical health can also help improve your mental health. 

For instance, a simple activity like running can improve cardiovascular health and stimulate the release of serotonin and endorphins, also known as the “feel good” hormones.

Taking care of your body doesn’t just mean exercising, though. It also means getting enough sleep, taking breaks, and eating healthy. 

Never underestimate how much your daily diet can affect you mentally and physically. If you drink or smoke, we highly recommend reducing your consumption or quitting completely. These substances, though they temporarily make you feel good or relaxed, can cause greater stress, irritability, and mood swings — all of which can worsen the problems you’re facing or at least make it harder for you to think of possible solutions.

Practice Gratitude Each Day

Sometimes in the midst of fatherhood difficulties, it’s easy to focus on all the negative aspects and forget about the positives. However, when you focus on all the positives, it gets harder to think about all the negativity in your life.

This is where practicing gratitude comes into play.

Take a few minutes each day to reflect on what you’re grateful for. It can be something as simple as being alive and still breathing or having clean water, a place to call “home” — anything at all!

One great way to get you into the habit of practicing gratitude daily is by keeping a gratitude journal. When you wake up and before you go to sleep, write down three things (or even just one thing) you are thankful for and why. Once you sit down and think deeply about it, we’re sure you’ll find plenty more things to be thankful about, compared to the problems plaguing you.

The Secret To Overcoming Difficult Dad Times

Like we’ve said before, everyone of us experiences tough times. It can be financial difficulties, career or job problems, relationship troubles, health issues, parenting problems, or something else. No matter what it is, remember that you can overcome it. It might take time or outside help, but you can do it.

As the cliche saying goes, “There’s always light at the end of the tunnel.” Keep moving forward. Remember, change requires action. If you want your situation to change — and to find a solution to the challenges you’re facing — you need to take action.

Watch the "Getting Through The Tough Times of Fatherhood" video here: