Father’s Day Reflections: What Fatherhood Has Taught Me So Far

Hi mga ka-DadBuhay!

As we celebrate Father’s Day, I just want to take a moment to reflect on what being a dad has really taught me so far — beyond the cute smiles, sleepless nights, and chaos of raising two little girls.

I’m still learning, everyday. Pero isa lang ang malinaw:

Being a father changed everything. And I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

1. Family First — Always.

I used to believe na career comes first, especially as an OFW. But the moment I became a dad, I realized that your real legacy is not your title, but your time — time spent with your kids, time supporting your partner, time just being there.

No job, no deadline, no meeting is more important than your child needing you.

Presence over presents.

Kahit simple lang, just being with them means everything.

2. Be There for the Little (and Big) Things

Hospital or clinic appointments? Dapat andun ka.

Kahit routine check-up lang yan or vaccination — be present.

Not just for your partner, but so you’ll know what’s happening. So your child sees that “Daddy shows up.”

They may not remember the details, pero they’ll always remember how you made them feel — safe and loved.

3. Playtime > Phone Time

Minsan may ginagawa ako — work, scrolling, or just trying to rest — tapos biglang lalapit si ate:

“Daddy, play with me?”

And I’ve learned… if it’s not urgent, set it aside and say yes.

Because they won’t always ask.

One day, they’ll grow up, and we’ll miss these moments.

So habang gusto pa nila tayong kalaro — let’s be there.

Let’s build memories, not regrets.

4. Patience, Especially with Toddlers

Let’s be honest — toddlers will test you. 😅

Ang kulit, ang gulo, and sometimes, they just don’t listen.

But I remind myself:

They’re still learning.

They’re figuring out emotions, boundaries, and the world around them.

Getting mad doesn’t teach them — it scares them.

So I try to breathe, pause, and learn how to communicate better.

Still learning, pero getting there.

5. It’s Not About Being a Perfect Dad

Walang perfect na tatay. We all make mistakes.

But what matters is we show up, we learn, and we love without condition.

We give hugs even when we’re tired.

We say sorry when we mess up.

We become the kind of man we want our kids to remember.

Final Thoughts

Being a dad is not just about providing — it’s about connecting.

And this Father’s Day, I just want to say:

To all the dads doing their best, tired but still showing up — I see you.

You’re doing a great job.

And to my daughters —

Thank you for making me a father.

You’ve taught me more about life, love, and patience than anything else ever has.

Happy Father’s Day, mga ka-DadBuhay!

Let’s keep learning, loving, and being the dads our children deserve.

— DadBuhay

Filipino Dad | Blogger | Proud Girl Dad