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Parenting is a ride with more twists and turns than a roller coaster. We recently asked the Dad Day community about their biggest parenting challenges, and the responses rolled in—raw, honest, and relatable.

Here's what dads had to say, alongside some reflections that show the universal struggles of fatherhood.


1. Maintaining Patience: The Leader of the Pack

With 41% of the votes, maintaining patience emerged as the top challenge.

  • "I think the patience part of it comes as a result of each of those other things. It really stresses you the f*ck out sometimes because you want to have enough time for each of your kids, but the work balance plays into that because you need to work enough to support them. The behavior stuff ties into the screen stuff at times where, and I’ve come to this realization from talking with other parents, that when you do have that limit and try to pull them off the screen, they act like you’re doing the worst thing in the world to them. Which again leads to a lack of patience on your end."

  • "Having a 3-year-old and a 5-year-old means a constant barrage of noise, questions, and erratic behavior. Taking a deep breath and remembering that they're kids and having fun helps me to keep patience!"

Patience isn’t easy, but as many dads reminded us, stepping back and keeping perspective can help.


2. Screen Time Battles

Screen time is a constant tug-of-war for modern parents.

"When you try to pull them off the screen, they act like you’re doing the worst thing in the world. It’s such a challenge to maintain limits without totally losing patience."

The fight over tablets, phones, and TV isn't going away anytime soon, but setting boundaries (and sticking to them) seems to be a universal struggle.


3. Sleep Schedules

Juggling sleep schedules hit home for dads, especially those in the thick of raising little ones.

  • "Life with a 3-month-old and an almost 3-year-old is tough! A ton of naps, dividing and conquering, etc. I’m believing what others say: 'This too shall pass' and 'It’ll get better.'"

Sleep deprivation and coordinating different schedules are a rite of passage for parents, but it helps to remember that better days (and longer nights) are ahead.


4. Behavior Issues

The "threenager" years are alive and well in many households.

  • "Since the day after my daughter turned 3 years old she's been an absolute tyrant, and it’s massively frustrating to deal with. Thought it was getting better as she approached her 4th birthday, but we’re still at about a 75% tyrant. Good Lord, after more than a year, it’s just ridiculous."

Turns out, you're not alone in the trenches of parenting unpredictable toddlers. Hang in there—it’s a phase (or so we’re told).


5. Other Challenges

Dads shared a range of unique struggles:

  • "Getting my 13-year-old to care about school and grades."
  • "Not a dad yet, but in the process of trying to conceive."
  • "Help her develop her drive."
  • "I’ve got two very picky eaters, and I’m the main cook of the house."

These challenges highlight the variety of experiences in fatherhood, proving that every family has its own set of wins and hurdles.


What’s Next?

Dads, we hear ya loud and clear. Parenting isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey, but sharing the highs and lows makes the load a little lighter. If patience is your Everest or picky eaters are your Everest Base Camp, know this: we’re all climbing the same mountain, one step (or deep breath) at a time.

Got a challenge you’re navigating? Share it with the Dad Day crew or sign up for our newsletter to join a community of dads who just get it.