Overcoming Fear and Doubt as a New Dad

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Jul 11, 2025

The discussions dive into the emotional rollercoaster of becoming a new dad, highlighting fears and uncertainties intertwined with excitement. Personal stories reveal the struggle of defining 'good parenting' without a clear model. The idea that fatherhood is a learnable skill emerges, encouraging fathers to embrace mistakes and seek mentorship. Emphasizing parental influence, the conversation illustrates the importance of leading by example and fostering connections through shared experiences, showcasing how these bonds can enrich family life.

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ANECDOTE

Larry's Early Dad Fear

Larry was terrified to become a dad because he didn’t know what good parenting looked like from his chaotic upbringing.
He constantly second-guessed himself and feared making mistakes early on.

ADVICE

Learn Fatherhood Skills

Fatherhood requires learning and mentorship; it's not automatic with manhood or marriage.
Admit you don’t have it all figured out and seek help to avoid years of agony.

ANECDOTE

Spanking Moment Epiphany

Larry broke his promise by spanking his son, which triggered a profound realization.
This moment led him to surrender pride and commit to becoming a better dad.

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Free Gift for Dads: Get Larry’s Full Presence Training—a free resource to help you stop drifting and show up more fully with your kids.

🎁 Grab it here: https://thedadedge.com/fully-present/

Have you ever asked yourself:

What did "good parenting" look like to me back then, and has my definition changed?
Am I truly modeling the behaviors and values I want my kids to learn?
Have I been intentional about learning parenting skills, or did I just expect to figure it out?

Today, Larry opens up about the raw truth of becoming a dad for the first time—from the excitement and overwhelming fear, to the anxiety of not knowing what “good parenting” really looks like, especially if you didn’t see it modeled growing up. He shares candid stories of his own uncertainties, the chaos of early family life, and the clumsy trial-and-error approach so many dads experience at first. Through heartfelt anecdotes—including a turning point moment that led him to create the Dad Edge movement—Larry lays out the most important pieces of advice he wishes he could have shared with his younger self.

This episode is packed with honest lessons about embracing mistakes, the necessity of learning and sharpening your skills as a parent, and the powerful influence of leading by example. Larry emphasizes that fatherhood is a skill that can be developed, much like any other, and that leaning into mentorship and building connections with your kids is the true foundation of lifelong influence. He also discusses why being present and intentional with your family trumps everything else, and offers a free resource on full presence training to help dads show up more powerfully—right now, not just “someday.”

Whether you’re a brand new dad navigating sleepless nights, an experienced father striving to reconnect with your teens, or simply someone determined not to go through this journey alone, Larry’s wisdom will remind you that it’s never too late to build meaningful connections and become the leader your family deserves.

In this vital conversation, we dig into:

You Don’t Have to Know Everything When I first found out I was going to be a dad, I was TERRIFIED. Part of me thought fatherhood would come naturally, but the truth is, like anything else worth mastering, it has to be learned. No one expects you to compete at black belt level in jiu jitsu without years of training—the same goes for being a great dad.
Stop Faking “Having It All Together” For the first six years, I went through the motions, feeling like a fraud. I was scared to admit I didn’t know what I was doing, and I was terrified of making mistakes. If I could sit my younger self down, I’d say: Drop the ego and ask for help. Surround yourself with mentors. Start learning right away.
Your Actions Speak Louder Than Words One of my favorite lessons from guest Devin Bandison: “The audio’s got to match the video.” Telling your kids to be healthy, disciplined, or open-minded means nothing if you’re not modeling those traits yourself. Your kids are always watching—become the example you want them to follow.
You Don’t Have to Always Lead—Learn Together I promise my kids I’ll always be willing to learn something new with them—even if I’m clueless. Whether it’s hunting, fixing things, or just tackling a new hobby, the journey of learning beside them matters more than mastering the skill.
Connection Comes Before Influence Without daily connection, there’s no real influence. Rituals like asking about the best part of their day or what they enjoy at school build trust, credibility, and authority when those tough conversations need to happen. No matter their age, it’s never too late to connect.

This episode is packed with insights to help you live with more intention, purpose, and connection as a father. So sit back, tune in, and get ready to take your dad game to the next level!

Here's what research and observation highlight about family relationships:

Research shows that children are 82% more likely to imitate parental behaviors than to follow spoken advice alone.
Studies have found that strong parent-child bonds can increase positive behavioral outcomes in children by up to 72%.
Only about 12% of married couples report being in a happy, working relationship, highlighting how uncommon deeply satisfying marriages are.