In this week’s Dad Life episode, we’re diving deep into something we touched on at the end of Monday’s episode — parenting guilt when you leave the kids behind. Whether it’s a weekend away, a pint with mates, or just a solo Tesco run with your headphones in, that voice creeps in: “Should I be here?”
What really counts as “time away” — solo time vs. partner-only time
Why dad guilt often feels different from mum guilt
That moment you get sent a photo of a tantrum while sipping your pint 😬
The difference between healthy detachment and just avoiding the chaos
Generational shifts in guilt — did our parents even feel it?!
Funny guilt moments gone wrong (FaceTime bedtime, anyone?)
Reframing the guilt so you come back refreshed, not ashamed
How kids actually process your absence (hint: sometimes they’re fine!)
Partner dynamics and the dreaded invisible scoreboard
And most importantly, why it’s okay — and actually good — for your kids to see you take a break
We wrap with a big message: taking space doesn’t make you less of a dad — it helps you be a better one. If you’ve ever felt the guilt tug, this episode’s for you.
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