I remember watching this episode of Frasier when I was a kid. The episode was about frasier realizing his son didn’t see him as ‘perfect’ or as a super dad any longer.

We know that’s bullshit, but realizing that it’s bullshit is difficult. I remember resenting my dad for a while when the illusion of my perfect dad popped. I grew out of it, but I’m divorced and split the time with their mom, whereas I was brought up in an unbroken home.

We don’t have a good relationship, their mom and I. She mothers. I father. We do it separately.

I’m pretty attuned to my kids and try to talk to them about real stuff as much as I can. Guide them and push them when they need it.

I’ve had pretty good success so far. They both play sports, get good grades, are routinely praised for being well brought up. I’m very proud of them.

My oldest, I think, is starting to hit puberty. He’s getting moody and has a bit of an attitude, though the moodiness usually quickly passes. I feel like the bubble around how awesome I am has deflated a bit. He still respects me, but I’m not ... perfect in his eyes.

And that’s fine. I’d rather have an honest relationship with them and as far as I know, this is the first time he’s had to pop an illusion about me.

How did you handle slipping a bit in stature in your kids’ eyes? I want to guide them to learn some lessons and give them space to make mistakes.

Any other advice?