Good morning, this is Dynasty Dad. Your Instant Pot pressure release value. The weekly dadding newsletter you go to, to blow off some steam. And realize that you aren't the only dad that has some serious pressure built up.

A lot of steam was released in the making of this newsletter

♨This week's pressure releaser: How Exhausted Dads Deal With The Pressures of Parenting ♨

Dad Meme and Joke Of The Week

Exhausted Dad Meme

Exhausted Dad Joke

Q: Why was the pasta so exhausted?

A: Because it strained itself.

How Exhausted Dads Deal With The Pressures of Parenting

I’ve got a confession.

I have a secret, and I'm a bit hesitant to discuss it openly.

But I've found that many of my buddies (dads), when I let loose and share, they agree.

Sharing this confession has created a bond with those dads, who like me, are just trying to get by most days.

I say this WITH ALL DUE RESPECT (in my best Ricky Bobby voice).

Here it goes...

My kids are assholes (you know, do things that drive me up a wall), and sometimes I dislike them…

They're still the loves of my life.

But when we sit down for dinner, my 2-year-old locks eyes with me, smirks and dumps her cup of milk all over the floor, yeah I want to explode.

2-year-olds are a different creature though, aren't they?

Mine is Belligerent (with a capital B).

Or that Saturday morning when I just want to sleep in, but my 4 yr old emerges from his slumber at 545 AM and finds it funny to wake his sisters, sending them into sleep-deprived crying fit that doesn't end until they go to sleep later that night.

Instead of enjoying Saturday, I’m counting the hours until 7 PM when they all go to bed.

Sometimes being a dad feels like the minutes are hours and hours are days.

Wait, how can a guy that writes about trying to be a great dad call his kids assholes and dislike them?

Well, I’m only telling the truth. My kids wear on me.

And if I had to guess, your kids wear on you too.

The good news is we're not alone.

And it is vital that we can be open with other dads and not feel judged or criticized.

We can learn a lot from other dads about dealing with the stress of being good dads, working professionals, and husbands or partners.

There is a silver lining.

Here are the 7 things I learned from the confessions of other great dads:

1/ Be Honest

It’s ok, to be honest, if you’re struggling with your kids.

The honesty will help the other dad open up and feel comfortable sharing their struggles without feeling judged.

We can all learn something and feel a little better talking with someone that can relate.

2/ There’s Hope

We can learn from other dads who have older kids.

They’ll have a story about a child who was the devil reincarnated that sent them to the edge.

They survived, and their kids turned out just fine.

3/ No There’s Not Something Wrong

My wife and I often ask ourselves, is something wrong with our children?

According to the CDC, 98.3% of kids(0-4) are healthy and have normal development.

Probability is on our side, and there isn’t likely something major wrong with your misbehaved youngster.

It’s common for kids to go through developments that we don’t understand.

4/ Kids Act Out

We may be well-intentioned and thoughtful parents, but our kids still act out.

It’s not a reflection on us.

Our kids are just learning how to be good humans. And it’s our job as dads to be patient (as possible) and help.

5/ Be Consistent

The best game is consistency …eventually, they will grow up and become the best versions of themselves as long as we keep consistent and loving.

This isn't just being consistent with our kids by being an example and showing them the behaviors we expect.

This is also being consistent with ourselves and our needs as dads.

And being consistent with our spouse because we all know that raising kids is a team sport.

6/ Don’t Look Back In Anger

Ok, cheeky Oasis reference, but try not to let anger rule.

Your kids don't mean any harm (most of the time) even though it might seem like it.

They’re likely dealing with something.

Dig in to find out what is bothering them.

Acknowledge their emotions.

Even if you disagree.

7/ Don’t Be Too Tough

Kids aren’t perfect, and we aren't perfect, either.

We all make mistakes, and sometimes we get sucker punched in the balls and want to strangle our 4-year-old.

(He thinks it's fun and acts like he's training for a boxing match).

The key is when we make a mistake and blow up, we explain to our kids that we messed up.

And move on.

Your kids will forgive you as long as you forgive yourself.

My takeaway

I love my kids, and sometimes they do shit that drives me up the wall.

Fellow dads, we're key to helping each other through fatherhood.

We can help each other let off some steam, so we don't erupt.

But we have to be open with each other.

Being open will help us find dads that share similar stories.

I promise it will be a big relief for you and helpful for them.

WAGMI (We’re All Going to Make It)

And.

One day we’ll look back and miss these days.

(Or at least, that is what I keep telling myself)

How do your kids drive you up a wall and what have you learned that other dads can benefit from?

This Week's Interesting Read:

Your life as you know it is now over.

This is what people who have kids tell people who are having their first child.

Is parenting today harder than parenting in the past?

Helicopter and lawnmower parenting, parents might be making it harder on themselves.

This article didn't really have a conclusion but mostly just some interesting stats that are worth sharing.

According to a Pew survey, 8 out of 10 of those that responded said they found parenting enjoyable.

They definitely didn't interview people I know.

They also found that 62% said parenting was harder than they expected.

My wife and I often wonder why no one tells you parenting is so hard.

I believe my parents kept this a secret so they would be grandparents.

Thanks a lot mom and dad.

Finally, what do parents want for their kids?

88% of parents want their kids to be financially independent and like their jobs / career.

Conclusion:

I know this newsletter screams…hater.

I'm not a hater; I genuinely believe that the greatest legacy I can leave on this earth is raising great humans that become the best version of themselves.

Every worthwhile thing has deep dark pits we can hide from or take head-on.

I'm choosing to take them head-on and share them.

Greatness only comes from overcoming great challenges.

Until next time.

Other Dynasty Dad Topics:

Selfcare: How Gratitude Changes Your Brain...And Relationships

Connection: How A 5-Star Attitude Changed Parenting For Me

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