It's been said we're the first generation reparenting ourselves at the same time we're parenting our kids.

Becoming a dad didn't just change my schedule. It exposed parts of me I didn't know were still running the show. A wounded inner child is desperately in need of a loving parent. My parents did their absolute best, but just didn't have the tools and skills we have today to allow for feelings and set healthy boundaries without shame. I discovered it isn't just my child who needs that support, but my inner child needs it as well!

I found myself getting triggered by my child or wife. Disproportionately angry about things that didn't make sense. Hearing a tone in my voice that sounded familiar in a way I didn't like. The moments where I caught myself saying things my parents said, that I swore I never would.

In this episode, I talk honestly about how I am noticing and using these moments to choose something different. I outline how my wife and I are actively reparenting ourselves, healing our childhood wounds, in the midst of parenting a child and running a business. I share personal examples of how I'm learning to interrupt my triggers, heal the past trauma, and develop a new and exciting relationship with my inner child.

Turns out, my daughter loves playing with "little Joey". My wife loves how he receives her love. And he is the source of my fun, joy, gratitude and fulfillment! So instead of sacrificing myself like my parents thought they were supposed to, I'm learning that I'm actually a better dad and husband when I prioritize my inner child's needs!

This conversation is for dads who want to be present but feel caught off guard by their own responses. It's for parents realizing that doing the inner work is part of showing up well for their kids. Parenting yourself first isn't selfish. It's how cycles get broken, and trust gets built at home.

👇 In this episode, we explore:

• How do dads recognize when they are parenting from old conditioning?
• What does reparenting ourselves look like in everyday moments?
• How can we pause instead of reacting when emotions spike?
• What does repair actually look like after you mess up?
• How do we permanently heal our past childhood traumas?
• How can we develop an active relationship with our inner child while parenting and working?

If this episode hit close to home, watch next: Fatherhood Nearly Broke Me — But Here's What Saved Me https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkhwndKnVhc&list=PLV-0dTh77R_nI1i3WZ7kYeagM51WeC2-h&index=37

👉 Get 15% off your first Serenity Kids order with code: DADICATED15 https://myserenitykids.com/

Being Dadicated isn't about having all the answers.

It's about showing up.

It's about committing to the kind of dad—and man—you want to be, even when it's hard. Especially when it's hard.

Joe Carr is a dad to Della, husband to Serenity, co-founder of Serenity Kids baby food, and the voice behind Dadicated Joe.

Follow Joe Carr on social media

Instagram: @dadicatedjoe

TikTok: @dadicatedjoe

YouTube @dadicatedjoe