How many dads hide their pain to protect their kids?

CarverGamer

😔 How many dads hide their pain behind a smile… so their kids never see them struggle?

Zeropine

Honestly, I don’t. I try to make it really clear when there’s a struggle so they can see it and learn from it. Sheltering just ends up being harmful.

VelcroViking

I’m about 50/50 I show my daughter what’s going on and we talk it out.

But I draw the line at anything that’d make her worry about me.

I’ve always felt it’s important not to shelter her from the real world.

MitchLanar1989

We all do it, even when we don’t mean to! As adults, we shouldn’t burden them or share that.

jayfizzberry

I don’t hide my struggles from my kids; I explain them simply so they understand. As a child, my parents projected that everything was fine, and as I grew older and recognized their challenges, I began to respect them more.

torchsparktif

I’m low HP physically, and my daughter knows it. If she didn’t help, I’d be in serious pain. Oh yeah, she’s only a level‑12 kid.

FastMoneyRinz77

Sometimes hiding it makes sense, but most of the time you should show it. Hiding it only creates a false impression that you never struggle. Then, when they do, they think they’re doing something wrong. Struggling is an ingrained part of life and the road to success. Hiding it helps no one!

Firerose99

I experience chronic migraines. There is no concealing them. Others observe me coping and working through them.

FuzzyFurryFox

I try. Sometimes it works, other times not so much. Being honest with them and saying I’m not feeling well helps. I make sure they know it’s 100% not their fault.

Lyraxxide

Don't romanticize suppressing emotions, you only hurt your kids.

Set time for you to process, recharge, etc. So you can show up for them and show a better example.

There is no glory in needless pain, and putting yourself last means you can't do what you need for them.

Sorry for the rant.

Blazeflux88

It’s often hard to hide, so try your best not to take it out on them.

SpeedRamonJebb

I handled it pretty well until the divorce kicked in. Seeing me break down really upset my teens; I didn’t usually show that side. Now, I don’t really care. They need to realize there’s a breaking point sometimes, and it can be healthy to let it out when needed.

johnwood24

They're the one that recharges us to keep going

stabconkodaks

the smile is starting to fade 😕 the pain is starting so show thru :/

EveliMox

I always did but broke down about 3 weeks ago.
My kids saw me... done while I was folding clothes.
Tired of being unappreciated and lawyer bills popping up when everyone knows she has a problem.

McpKeltek

My dad used to do that, and when I stepped into the real world I thought it was something new, but actually he’s been handling the BS in a low‑key way. Through the ups and downs, I try to explain what’s happening, and it’s not always someone else’s fault it’s important to point out where I slipped up. Kids get more than we give them credit for.

swampdoppeledrad

I truly don’t keep things to myself. I share so much with my kids because it gives them the room to respond with empathy, nurturing wonderful skills in them and helping me move past my own struggles. Opening up like this prevents me from bottling emotions and lessens the chance of overreacting later on. Honesty always feels right, and communicating with family is always the best path.

CrimsonCanyon

I don't smile.
I don't show emotion.
I don't show any signs of life.
I don't breathe.
I'm not even alive.
Bro, I'm fucking deceased.

realMush21

I can’t even smile any longer it feels way too awkward! I see it as me just not being able to fake any emotion anymore.

royalblade360

If your kids don’t see you struggle and then p ush through it, they miss the chance to learn. Some things stay “adult matters” like money but sadness, grief, frustration, and anger all give us teaching moments. A pressure cooker without a relief valve is a bomb, and the same goes for our emotions; you have to feel what you’re feeling or they’ll control you. I’m not telling you how to be a dad everyone does it differently but as a dad and a professional, that’s what I’ve seen get the best results.