Guilt Trips, Work Trips, and Dad Guilt 101

Alright, gents—raise your hand if you've ever sat in a Zoom meeting wondering if your kid remembered to bring their lunch to school. Or if you’ve ever stared longingly at a picture of your family while stuck at the airport gate, eating a $14 soggy tuna sandwich. Yep. Welcome to Dad Guilt 101.

Let’s not sugarcoat it: modern dads are pulled in more directions than a toddler on a sugar high. You’ve got bills to pay, deadlines to crush, and a lawn that’s definitely judging you every time you look at it. Meanwhile, every parenting article is like, “BE PRESENT.”

Cool cool cool... but how?

The Guilt Hits Different

There’s something uniquely punch-in-the-gut about missing moments. First words, soccer games, bedtime snuggles. You feel like a ghost in your own story. And then there's the worst line of all: “Where’s Daddy?” followed by those puppy-dog eyes that could disarm a Navy SEAL.

So now you’re tired, behind on work, and emotionally wrecked. Awesome.

Let’s Flip the Script

What if we stopped treating guilt like a permanent condition and started seeing it as a signal? It’s not there to shame you—it’s there to remind you what matters.

You feel guilty because you care. You want to be there. And that alone makes you a pretty incredible dad.

Reclaiming Connection (Even in Chaos)

Okay, so maybe you can’t quit your job to become a full-time treehouse builder (unless that’s your actual job, in which case...cool). But you can build little rhythms that scream: “Dad was here.”

• The Video Message Move – Record a quick video for your kid before bed if you’re traveling.

• The 5-Minute Snuggle Rule – Even if you’re tired, five intentional minutes can go a long way.

• The Inside Joke Arsenal – Create one weird handshake or dad joke per kid. Instant connection.

Remember, it’s not about quantity. It’s about quality with intention.

And Also—Cut Yourself Some Slack

You are not a bad dad because you work. You are not a bad dad because you miss dinner sometimes. You are not a bad dad because you occasionally hide in the bathroom for peace and quiet.

You are a real dad. And that means you’re going to drop balls sometimes—but you’re also going to catch a lot more than you realize.

So ditch the guilt cape. You don’t need it. You’ve already got the dad hat, and it looks fantastic on you.

Until next week,

—The Regal Beagle Pack

The Regal Beagle Newsletter
Issue #4: The Backup Dancer Dad — Finding Your Rhythm

Feeling Like a “Secondary Parent”

Let’s talk about that weird, awkward phase in early parenting when you feel like the third-string quarterback. You know, the guy who gets called in only after mom, grandma, and the dog have already had a turn.

You’re standing in the nursery like, “Hello? Can I help?” And your baby looks at you like, “No offense, but I’d rather scream until Mom gets back.”

Welcome to the Secondary Parent Blues

Look, it’s common. Especially in the early years. Babies bond deeply with the primary caregiver—often mom—and sometimes dad feels like the stand-in percussionist in a rock band: technically part of the group, but nobody’s asking for your autograph.

This can lead to feeling disconnected, awkward, or even a little resentful. Like, “Hey, I also helped make this tiny dictator, remember?”

But Here’s the Deal: You Matter More Than You Think

Even if you’re not the first choice for comfort, your presence matters. And that’s not just a motivational quote—it’s brain science, baby.

Kids need variety in their interactions. Different voices, energies, styles. You might not do lullabies as well as Mom, but you’re the undefeated champion of shoulder rides, silly faces, and turning laundry baskets into race cars.

So How Do You Bond When You Feel Left Out?

1. Find Your Thing – Bedtime stories? Saturday pancakes? That one song you both love? Make it yours.

2. Embrace the Chaos – Don’t try to parent like someone else. Do it your way. Even if your way includes cardboard forts and improvised puppet shows.

3. Take the Lead Sometimes – Even if the kid protests. Kids resist change like cats resist bathtubs, but once they adjust, magic can happen.

4. Talk to Your Partner – Feeling sidelined? Say something. Parenting is a team sport, not a solo act.

Pro Tip: It Gets Better

As your child grows, their bond with you will evolve. One day you’ll be the one they run to when their Minecraft world crashes. You’ll be the hero, the fixer, the laugh-at-my-jokes legend.

So ride out the early years with confidence. You’re not second best—you’re just building momentum.

You’re not the backup dancer. You’re the dad. And your stage is coming.

Until next time,

—The Regal Beagle Pack