Daddy tips
How to Be a Superman Dad (When You’re Not Even Superman)
Yes, you can do it too
I’m a dad. And not just any dad — I’m a stay-at-home dad. To a three-year-old. Who is hyperactive. So, basically, I’m superman. Except I’m not. I’m just a regular guy who is trying to do the best he can.
Why do I write in short dot phrases?
I have to hurry up. I have a kid to take care of ah!
And sometimes, that’s not easy.
Especially when you’re always expected to be on top of your game, never tired, able to cook dinner, drop off the kid at daycare, and always be happy.
But I’m here to tell you that it is possible to be a superman dad — even when you’re not actually superman.
Here are some tips and tricks that have helped me cope with the demands of fatherhood.
Tip #1: Ask for help. Do it!
One of the best things I ever did was to ask for help from family members. They are more than happy to lend a hand — whether it’s watching our son for an hour so I can get some work done or cooking dinner so I don’t have to.
Asking for help doesn’t make you any less of a man or a father — it just makes you smart. And it will help you avoid burning out, which I almost did at late-summer.
Tip #2: Take breaks when you need them
No one can be “on” all the time even if your kid “demands” it. When you feel like you’re about to lose it, take a break — even if it’s just for five minutes.
Step outside for some fresh air. Taking care of yourself is important if you want to be able to take care of others.
Tip #3: Find your happy place
We all have things that make us happy and help us relax. For me, it’s listening to music, going for walks, and cooking, believe it or not, I’m a good cook. This is when I have an actual break from my son. I tell him
“Dad has to cook, either you help me, or you have to play alone”… he plays alone! Ah.
Do what makes you happy and don’t feel guilty about it. You deserve it!
Tip#4: Get some sleep
This one is easier said than done, I know. But try to get as much sleep as you can. When you’re well-rested, you’ll be able to handle anything that comes your way — crankiness, tantrums, and all from your hyperactive son.
Tip # 5: Have realistic expectations
One of the biggest mistakes I made as a new dad was having unrealistic expectations. I still do from time to time.
I expected that I would be able to do everything and be everything to my son.
And when I couldn’t live up to those impossible standards, I felt like a failure and it created some arguments in my couple.
It’s important to remember that you’re not superman.
You’re just a dad who is doing the best he can. And that’s good enough.
You can do it and be proud
So, there you have it — some tips on how to be a superman dad (even when you’re not actually Superman). Just remember to ask for help, take breaks when you need them, find your happy place,
Just remember that it’s okay to ask for help, take breaks when you need them, and find your happy place. Oh, and one more thing…
You are doing great!
My other posts about being a dad you may like
Please CLAP if you liked my post. It’s free!
-Follow me on Twitter for RAW posts and comments
-Please subscribe with my Medium link for many great posts from me AND from anybody else here.
