Most dads I meet are not contemplating what perfection is. They’re assessing themselves and inquiring for clarity on questions like, what does being a good father actually look like?

There are probably many different ways to answer this. But what I observe with so many good dads in my community is a good dad doesn’t always know what to do. But he keeps showing up, even when he feels tired, unsure, or overwhelmed.

It’s the everyday things that matter:

sitting with your kid when they’re upset
putting your phone down and listening
admitting when you lost your cool
choosing patience over frustration
setting boundaries because you care

You just need to be present. Kids don’t remember your perfect moments. They remember your steady ones, the small ways you made them feel safe, seen, and important.

A good place to start is asking yourself questions like: where can I be 10% more present?, what conversation have I avoided that could make things better?, what’s one small habit that would make my home feel calmer?

Showing up with honesty, with effort, and openness is more than enough. Good fathers aren’t flawless, they’re willing participants.