Becoming a parent changes everything. It challenges your patience, tests your beliefs, and often triggers emotions you didn’t know you had. And in those moments, you might find yourself thinking about your own dad. What did he teach you? What didn’t he say that you now wish he had? This article is for every parent who’s ever whispered, “I wish he would’ve told me this.”
1. It’s Okay to Be Scared
You probably thought you had to be strong the moment you became a parent. Maybe you felt like fear was weakness, something to push down and hide. But your dad could’ve told you that being scared means you care deeply. Parenting brings out uncertainty in everyone. And being honest about it is the first step toward growth, not failure.
2. You’ll Mess Up—And That’s Normal
If your dad ever looked like he, had it all together, trust me, he didn’t. You’re going to make mistakes. You’ll lose your temper, forget something important, or react in a way you regret. What matters is what you do afterward. Your kids don’t need perfection—they need honesty, effort, and love.
3. Your Kids Are Always Watching
Even when you think they’re not listening, they are. They absorb how you talk to yourself, how you treat others, how you manage stress. You may have learned more from your dad’s silence than his words. Your kids will learn from how you show up in both the big and small moments. And that awareness can shape who they become.
4. Connection Matters More Than Control
You might’ve grown up thinking discipline was the most important part of parenting. But connection is where trust is built. If your dad had told you that listening and showing up consistently matter more than strict rules, maybe things would feel different. Your kids will respect you more when they feel seen, not silenced. Connection builds confidence—for them and for you.
5. Forgiveness Is a Gift You Give Yourself Too
Your dad may not have modeled forgiveness—especially toward himself. But you can. You’ll have hard days, and you’ll need to extend yourself some grace. Forgiving yourself allows you to keep going without dragging guilt behind you. Teach your kids that love includes compassion, especially toward yourself.
Be the Parent You Needed
You may never hear those missing words from your dad. But you can say them to yourself now. You can become the parent you wish he had been. That’s how healing works—it starts with awareness and grows through intention. Your kids don’t need a perfect parent; they need a present one.
What’s something you wish your dad had told you before you became a parent? Drop it in the comments. You never know who might need to hear exactly that today.
Read More:
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10 Boomer Parenting Tips That Still Hold Up Today
Latrice is a dedicated professional with a rich background in social work, complemented by an Associate Degree in the field. Her journey has been uniquely shaped by the rewarding experience of being a stay-at-home mom to her two children, aged 13 and 5. This role has not only been a testament to her commitment to family but has also provided her with invaluable life lessons and insights.
As a mother, Latrice has embraced the opportunity to educate her children on essential life skills, with a special focus on financial literacy, the nuances of life, and the importance of inner peace.