Happy Father’s Day: You’re Doing Better Than You Think

One of my best friends is a serious runner – the kind who trains with commitment and runs with purpose. But if you really want to annoy her mid-run, just shout something like, “You’re almost there!” when she’s barely hit the halfway mark. She hates that.

Worse still? Being called a “top runner.” It drives her nuts! To her, it feels like a lazy compliment... a meaningless pat on the back when she’s out there sweating bullets and dodging potholes.

But here’s the thing: I always tell her, “You are tops. Not because you're winning medals, but because you’re out there doing your best. That’s what matters.” And that, my friends, brings me to parenting.

Image: Wix

Most of us are just trying to do our best. And sometimes, doing your best feels like… well, running a marathon while being chased by bees. You’re sweaty, tired, unsure if you’re going in the right direction, but you keep going.

The catch?

Many of us feel like our best isn’t good enough. We worry that we’re messing it all up. Maybe that’s the point. Maybe parenting isn’t about “nailing it.” Maybe it’s about staying humble, staying open, and being willing to grow.

The moment we think we’ve “aced” parenting, is probably the moment we start missing the point because complacency is just arrogance with comfortable shoes.

Like running, parenting isn’t a one-size-fits-all race. Some people are elite runners – they’re the parenting equivalents of those Instagram dads who pack eco-friendly lunchboxes and coach the under-12s like it’s the World Cup. And then there are the rest of us: doing what we can, when we can, with a lot of love and maybe a little coffee breath (God knows I love coffee 😅).

Some fathers are stepdads. Some are uncles, big brothers, mentors, coaches, pastors, neighbours. Some are just the guys who show up consistently – and honestly, that counts for a lot. You don’t have to share DNA to be a father figure. Sometimes, just being there is the most radical thing you can do.

This Father’s Day, I want to say thank you. Thank you for showing up.

Image: Steve DeMatheo

In a world where absent parenting is heartbreakingly common, your presence matters more than you think.

But I also want to challenge you. Don’t stop at being present but aim to be intentional. Be willing to step into fatherhood where there’s a gap, where a child needs guidance, protection, or just someone to toss a rugby ball with. But do it with care. Fatherhood – just like running – requires pace, patience and purpose.

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Before the day ends, take a quiet moment. Reflect a little.

• How are you doing?

• Do your kids know it's Father’s Day?

• Do they call?

• Do they write you a card?

• Or maybe, are you the one needing to make the first move?

And if the relationship is strained or distant, don’t give up. Parenting doesn’t come with a scoreboard. There’s no manual, no gold medal for “World’s Best Dad.” It’s messy, unpredictable, sometimes heartbreaking but always worth it.

Remember: You’re not just a father on Father’s Day. You’re a father every day. And the very fact that you’re trying, growing, and showing up?

That already makes you top runner in our books.

Happy Father’s Day. Keep running your race – you’re doing better than you think.