Do you put pressure on yourself to be perfect? Not only is that impossible, but it’s a dangerous goal for dads. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about the myth of perfection, navigating our flaws, and being our best for our family.  

Why This Matters
You don’t have to be perfect to be the perfect dad for your kids. 

What Do Dads Struggle With The Most? 

• Wanting their kids to have a good life
• Aiming to overcome mistakes
• Recognizing that being a dad is a serious job

Who Feels The Pressure?

In 2018, the American Psychological Association found that “Perfectionism among (college students) significantly increased since the 1980s.” Nearly a decade later, those students are now adults and likely parents. 

This was 8 years ago… which means those same young people who craved perfection in 2018 are likely now parents. Are they striving to be perfect parents, too?

What Makes a Perfect Father?

• Someone who is active, present, and cares about his kids
• Someone who understands being “perfect” adds incredible pressure. 
• Someone committed to doing their best for his kids. 

Important Episode Timestamps

00:00 – 03:24 | Why Dads Feel Pressure to Be Perfect

03:24 – 05:31 | What Our Own Dads Modeled for Us

05:31 – 07:19 | Perfectionism Is Increasing—And Parents Are Feeling It

07:19 – 09:50 | Social Media Makes Dads Feel Like Failures

09:50 – 11:36 | Every Dad Brings Something Different to the Table

11:36 – 13:53 | How Dad Pressure Becomes Kid Pressure.

13:53 – 15:31 | Your Kids Don’t Want Perfect—They Want Present

15:31 – 17:20 | Why Perfectionism Makes Dads Defensive

17:20 – 23:51 | The Emotional Cost of Perfectionism in Parenting

23:51 – End | Consistency Beats Perfection Every Time

APD Pro Move:
Make a list of the times you’ve failed as a dad. Give yourself grace for those moments and stop putting so much pressure on yourself as a dad.

All Pro Dad Resources

Episode 107 – What Do I Do When I’ve Messed Up As A Dad?

13 Ps All Dads Must Be

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BJ Foster on LinkedIn

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