Hey, Fellow Good Dads
This week on How to Be a Good Dad, I want to touch on something many of us deal with but rarely talk about: STRESS. For the longest time, I carried it without even realizing it. My experiences in Iraq left me emotionally scarred, but I stayed in denial. I was hypervigilant, easily irritated, and always on edge, telling myself it was just part of being driven. It took years to finally understand that something deeper was going on. Eventually, I was diagnosed with PTSD, but before that, I spent too long neglecting my mental health and turned to unhealthy coping mechanisms like alcohol.
Looking back, I wish I had sought help sooner. The stigma surrounding mental health kept me from facing the reality of my situation. But, in the end, acknowledging and confronting it was the only way I began to reclaim my life. Without taking that step, I don’t know where I’d be today. Stress has a sneaky way of creeping into our lives, especially when we’re trying to manage everything for our families. The good news is, there are ways to take control of it and start moving forward again.
What I’ve learned over the years is that managing your own stress isn’t just important for your well-being—it’s crucial for your kids too. They watch how we react to challenges, and they often mimic our behaviors. Teaching them healthy ways to handle stress starts with showing them how you manage your own. Here are three techniques I’ve found that not only help me but also set an example for my kids:
Take a Break Before You Break
It’s tempting to think pushing through stress is a sign of strength, but sometimes the strongest move is stepping away. Whether it’s 10 minutes of quiet reflection or a quick walk outside, these small breaks can clear your head and help you reset. I’ve learned not to wait until I’m burned out—taking regular breaks throughout the day keeps me balanced. Showing your kids that it’s okay to pause and take a moment when they’re overwhelmed teaches them that they don’t always have to push through exhaustion.
Ask for Help
One of the hardest lessons I had to learn was asking for help, but it was also one of the most freeing. You don’t have to carry everything alone. Whether it’s talking to a therapist, leaning on a friend, or sharing the load with your partner, asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. By being open about needing support, you’re teaching your children it’s okay to rely on others when things get tough. This can set them up for healthier relationships and stronger emotional resilience in the long run.
Breathe Deep, Stress Less
Deep breathing might sound too simple to be effective, but it works. When I’m feeling overwhelmed, pausing for a few deep breaths helps calm my mind and ease the tension in my body. This is something I’ve started practicing with my kids too. When they’re feeling anxious or upset, I remind them to breathe deeply with me. It’s a small technique, but one they can carry with them for life.
Teaching Through Example
Kids are always observing, even when we think they aren’t. By learning to manage our stress in healthy ways, we set a foundation for them to follow. It’s important they know stress is a part of life, but it doesn’t have to control them. With the right tools, they can handle whatever comes their way.
🍻 Cheers to making stress management part of your daily life—for yourself, for your kids, and for your family.
Until next time, take care of yourself—and know you’re never in this alone. We’ve got your back.
Last Week’s Content
What Should You Teach Your Kids To Deal With Stress?
Box Breathing
Take a moment to breathe deeply. Inhale through your nose for four seconds, hold for four seconds, and exhale through your mouth for four seconds. This simple exercise calms your nervous system and helps you regain control.
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