You snap, you withdraw, you feel guilt afterwards. That reaction; it’s not them. It’s your past.

In this episode I pull up the mirror and ask the tough question: Are you raising your kids or are you reliving and raising your own unfinished story?

This week we cover: When the house finally goes quiet, the real questions hit: Am I showing them strength or just stress? Do they see the man they need, or a dad just surviving the day? This episode is a mirror and a reset.

As a dad I wrestle with this question every single day. Fatherhood is about giving them what they need but when you are distracted, who shows up and what dad do they see?

Key Themes

Modelling vs. managing: Why your identity (not your to-do list) is what your kids copy.

Presence over perfection: Turn the school run, after-school, and bedtime into connection anchors.

This episode is all about understanding how to interrupt the influences that stop you showing up when they need you. This week, why not Pause, Reflect Interrupt and show them to calm the storm and set the tone.

Why this episode matters (for dads right now):

Your children are learning how to love, lead and handle pressure by watching you.

They don’t need the highlight reel; they need the reality, a conscious, emotionally available dad who champions their mum, holds the line in chaos, and shows up with love.

Why not try this with your kids this week:

Choose your word: Pick one identity word (e.g., steady) and live it for 7 days.

3 touch-points daily: Morning reset, after-school debrief, bedtime ritual (no phones).

Doorframe pause: 60–90 seconds to breathe, set intention, and enter on their level.

Dad-first coaching: Make that next car journey matter: connection → feeling → (optional) lesson. but above all else give them confidence they need to tackle that next challenge.

Comment:

What are you modelling this week and where will you interrupt the chaos?

🔊 Listen & connect: Subscribe for weekly Friday Fuel. If this hit home, comment below: What part of yourself is your child reflecting back? Share this episode with a dad who needs it.

Join the Modern Fatherhood Club. We prioritise impact and our resources and community have been designed to help you overcome challenges that stop you showing up for your kids. If this hit home, subscribe to the channel, join the community and grab any of our free resources

Join the Modern Fatherhood Club: www.themodernfatherhoodclub.com

Subscribe for Weekly Friday Fuel: @TheModernFatherhoodClub

Follow on Instagram for Daily Dad Insights! @the_the_modern_fatherhood_club

Check out The New Dad Recharge, the course designed for busy dads that helps you zero in on what's really important