EMBRACE THE SCREW-UPS AND GET GOOD AT BOUNCING BACK

Written by Lance Green

As a father, you’ll find yourself face-first in a puddle of embarrassment or failure at some point and it’s easy to feel like you’re never going to get back up. But know you are not alone in this.

Everyone makes mistakes, and the key to success isn’t avoiding them – it’s learning how to handle them with confidence. Instead of wallowing in self-pity or beating yourself up over your mishaps, why not give yourself a big hug and get to work on mastering the art of overcoming them.

Parenthood is a wild ride of awesome moments, giggles, and struggles that every dad goes through. Sure, there are a ton of great times, but there are also those times when you’ll mess up big time. Dad fails can be embarrassing or funny mistakes and can also make you feel like you’re in over your head in the journey of fatherhood. While those moments can be hilarious when looking back years after, at the time they can also make you feel like you’re not doing enough or measuring up to what people expect of you as a father..

Dad fails are just part of the deal and mum’s have them too. They’re not just a right of passage, they’re opportunities for growth and learning. By owning up to your mistakes, using them as chances to improve, and not beating yourselves up over them, you can become a better, more confident dad. So the next time you mess up, just laugh it off, brush yourself off, and keep moving forward.

Here Are Some Mistakes I’ve Made As A Dad

The Dummy Fiasco

Giving the dummy to the wrong kid or dropping it on the floor without cleaning it can be stressful for everyone involved. Just make sure you double-check which kid the dummy belongs to before handing it over. If it happens to fall on the ground, don’t panic, quickly pick it up and give it a clean or grab a fresh one if needed

The Nappy Dilemma

Putting the nappy on wrong or forgetting to change it can lead to a messy situation. Take your time and make sure it’s on right. Set reminders on your phone to help you remember when it’s time for a change.

The Kitchen Catastrophe

Burning dinner or forgetting an ingredient, we’ve all been there. It’s easy to make a mess in the kitchen when you’re not sure what you’re doing. To avoid disasters, planning your meals in advance helps and don’t be afraid of a new recipe. If you need help or a second opinion, ask your partner or family member, someone who seems to have everything under control when it comes to cooking is helpful.

The Missed Milestone

Forgetting a big moment, like when they took their first steps or said their first words, happens to the best parents.Try keeping a journal or a baby book to record those important milestones. And make sure to celebrate every little accomplishment, no matter how small.

The Sleepless Night

Being woken up all night long by your crying baby or toddler will leave you exhausted. Try creating a sleep routine for them and giving a sleep soothing toy that has white noise to help them drift off easier. You’ll wake up feeling fresh and ready for the day ahead.

Tips for Getting Over Dad Screw-Ups:

Accept That You’re Not Going To Be Perfect
It’s totally normal to mess up sometimes. Just own it, learn from your mistakes, and keep moving forward.

Laugh It Off
See the humour in your own failures. Sharing your stories with friends and family can help lighten the mood and make you feel better.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
If you need support, just reach out to your partner, parents, or other family members. They’re there for you and can give you a hand.

Remember the Good Stuff
Focus on the times when you’re being a rockstar dad. Remind yourself of your strengths and celebrate your wins, even if there are a few slip-ups along the way.

Learn from Your Mistakes
Every time you screw up, it’s an opportunity to figure out what went wrong and do better next time.

Dad fails are bound to happen when you’re a parent. They can be cringey, infuriating, or even make you feel like a total failure sometimes. But you know what, it’s ok and a part of the journey. We’re all human, and we all make mistakes. The important thing is to own up to them, learn from them, and keep moving forward.

When you mess up, apologise if you need to, and remember that no one is perfect. Every dad is going to have their fair share of dad fails, and that’s just part of the deal. The best dads are the ones who can roll with the punches and keep their cool under pressure.

So, next time you find yourself in a sticky situation, just breathe and remind yourself that you’re doing the best you can. Your kids love you for who you are, mistakes and all. Maybe those dad fails will end up making for some pretty funny stories down the road.