This is the All Pro Dad Podcast, where in each episode, dads of all ages dive into just one question. Today, we ask, “What are dads’ biggest fears?”

When we were little, monsters and aliens were terrifying. Now that we are parents, real-world troubles keep us up at night much more than Godzilla. Parenting fears can be crippling or motivating. Ted Lowe, BJ Foster, and Buck Buchanan dive into what scares us the most as dads. (Also, they hate clowns.)

Our fears as dads are a big deal because they impact how we feel about ourselves, how present we can be with our kids, how we respond to them, and even what we teach them about their fears. The 5 fears we break down in this episode are:

1. 1. Failing: This one hits hard. We want to be the hero, the provider, the rock of the family. The fear of letting our kids down (and not being good enough) can be paralyzing. But remember, dads, even superheroes stumble. What matters most is picking ourselves up and showing our kids how to learn from mistakes.
   
   
2. 2. Being Incompetent: Whether it’s fixing a leaky faucet, helping with a math problem, or navigating the ever-changing world of social media, dads often feel the pressure to be the all-knowing fixers. But it’s OK not to know everything! Learn as you go.
   
   
3. 3. Being Weak: Society often expects dads to be stoic and unemotional. But dads have hearts, too! Showing our kids our full range of emotions, from joy to sadness to frustration, teaches them that it’s OK to feel everything and that emotions do not equal weakness.
   
   
4. 4. Being Irrelevant: The world seems to move faster every day, and dads sometimes worry about being left behind, especially as their kids grow older. But remember, a dad’s love and guidance are never irrelevant. We can find ways to stay connected with our kids at every stage of life, building a bond that transcends trends and technology.
   
   
5. 5. Looking Foolish: We were not made to blend in. You were made to stand out. If you would say it to your kids, start saying it to yourself, too. Don’t be too proud to look like a fool once in a while. Your kids will remember that you had a silly side. Embrace it! It shows your kids that it’s OK to be yourself, even if it means being a little bit foolish sometimes.
   
   

Do any of these fears resonate with you as a father? Share this episode with a friend and talk about how you can help each other overcome those parenting fears.

Today’s Pro Move: Choose one of the 5 parenting fears we talked about in this episode and ask yourself: How does this fear impact me as a dad?