I’m Not a Good Dad—I'm Just doing what should be expected of me

Every so often, when I post a picture of my daughter and me on social media, someone says, “You’re such a good dad.”

I never really know how to respond to that because I don’t think “good dads” are some special category. I believe there are just dads who step up, and dads who don’t, and stepping up shouldn't earn applause when you’re doing what any normal person would and should do.

Being there, taking care of your kids, showing love, being consistent—that’s not exceptional. That’s the job. That’s what being a father means. So why are we celebrated just for doing what we’re supposed to do?

And while we’re at it, can we also retire the phrase “dad bod”?

Seriously, what even is that? You didn’t carry a baby for nine months. You didn’t go through labor. Your body didn’t change to bring life into the world. So what’s with the gold star for letting yourself go and calling it “being a dad”?

Your body has nothing to do with being a dad. Your presence does. Your choices do.

So no, I don’t need to be called a good dad today. I’m just blessed to be one.

Remember. Good dads don’t exist, only shitty ones do.