Sometimes, the hardest part of parenting is letting your kids struggle

It’s instinctual—you want to step in, fix the problem, and make things easier for them. Whether it’s tying their shoes (my youngest son throws a tantrum every time), building an impossible LEGO set (I see you Lego Star Wars), or navigating a tough friendship, watching them struggle tears a hole in your heart.

But struggle isn’t a bad thing. It’s where they learn resilience, problem-solving, and the confidence that comes from doing hard things on their own. It’s where they discover that they’re capable of more than they realize. (Ironically, the same skills adults need to learn, too.)

As a dad, stepping back doesn’t mean you’re letting them fall - it means you’re giving them the space to rise. And when they do? That proud smile they flash your way makes it all worth it.