Q: My father wasn’t a good role model, so I feel pretty clueless about the whole parenting thing. Now my wife and I are expecting our first child. I’m eager to be a dad but also intimidated. Can you offer any insights?
Jim: I’ve always liked a quote from author Kent Nerburn: “It is much easier to become a father than to be one.” I think it explains one of the reasons why so many dads feel overwhelmed.
It doesn’t take much for us guys to feel like we’re in over our heads. When your 6-month-old baby starts wailing, you can’t make him stop. When your son is failing algebra, you can’t make him pass. If your daughter gets bullied, you can’t just make all of her hurt feelings disappear. Being a dad is much slower and subtler.
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