Why Is Being a Dad Hard?

Being a dad is hard. Being a parent is hard. Whether you're a mom or a dad to a child, being a good parent is not easy. You’ll find that parenting is not always fun, it’s not always enjoyable, and you must give up a lot of the stuff that you love and enjoy. It will take a lot of work.

Being a dad is hard, but it’s not harder than being a mom. The challenges that you’ll each face will often be the same, but there are unique challenges that you’ll face as a dad as well. As much as we talk about genders being equal these days, there are still gender differences which will affect how you handle being a parent.

Gender traits are different

Gender differences are generalized in parenting. As a male, you may find that you are more naturally able to show empathy for your kids than other dads. However, for most males, empathy is not something that comes easily or naturally, it will require that you work on it. Realizing the pain or suffering that a child is going through, and help them work through their feelings because you understand it may take extra for many dads.

The ability to express emotions is another trait that generally is more common among a mother than with a father. Being able to express how you love your child, or when you are disappointed with them in a way that conveys how you actually feel is something that many dads have to work on.

All of these natural tendencies that are a part of you will make it harder for you as a dad. You’re going to have to learn how to correctly talk, how to work with your child, and how to work towards being a better person. While everyone should always work on bettering themselves, being a parent forces that upon you.

No initial connection

Unlike a mother, you were never connected directly to your child. Yes, you contributed a sperm to the process, but that was the extent of your connection for 9 months. This means that as your baby is born, you’re going to have to work to love your child and to show them that you care. 

Mother’s have to work towards this as well, especially as the child grows older. However, you’ll have a lot more work at first to connect with your child and to help them to get to know you. This can be a lot of fun for some fathers, but for others it can be a frustrating experience. It will require that you work regardless of whether you like it or not.

Requires your time

This is true for all parents, but it’s one of the hardest things about being a parent in general. Your free time is going to disappear quickly as you have a kid. Being a dad means that you’re going to be sacrificing your time (and in turn the things you love) in order to raise your child.

Be there for your child when they need you. Being a parent that ignores their kids because they’d prefer to do their own thing all the time will make a child grow to resent you. Expect most of your time that you previously spent on hobbies and things you like to go towards your family and child. Be present and try to find as much joy in the time as you can - it will make a world of difference for you and your child.

Conclusion

Being a dad is hard. You’re going to have to put in a lot of effort, work on becoming a better person, and spending time with your child and family. You’ll find that as you do these things, you may actually enjoy being a dad.