Nobody has ever said that being a parent is easy, but there is always helpful advice available on the internet to get you through the tough times. However, one man has decided to keep it real with his motivational speech dedicated to other parents.
Deric Cahill, 35, has recently gone viral on Instagram after sharing a message addressed to "parents having a hard day." During the clip, Cahill can be seen facing the camera holding a piece of paper. He sighs before showing the camera the note that reads: "Tomorrow is going to be hard too. LOL [lots of laughter]."
The video shared to @deric_cahill has racked up over 12 million views since it was posted on October 29. The dad-of-three, who lives in Dallas, Texas, told Newsweek: "I shared that video, and many others like it, because the internet makes people feel inadequate through the 'perfect aesthetic' posts, especially when it comes to parenting.
"Being a parent is, like, the most-important job on the planet, and the vast majority of people are terrified of being 'bad' at it," Cahill said.
"I think even if that feeling lasts just the duration of my video before they get sucked back into their comparative reality and see the next post of a mom who creates a four-course breakfast from scratch for her family every morning, and that inadequate feeling creeps back in."
The author of Have You Ever Had a Silly Idea? has refused to beat around the bush with his video and, let's face it, Cahill has probably said what a lot of parents are thinking.
The University of Nevada has previously cited a survey of 2,000 parents that found that 88 percent of U.S. and Canadian parents said that parenting today is harder than when they were children. Some of the reasons include social-media distractions, activity overloads and safety in schools. More than half of the respondents (64 percent) said that they have experienced parental burnout.
Parents can always count on Cahill's Instagram posts for a laugh. They may not get the motivation tips they are after, but they will definitely leave his Instagram with a smile on their faces.
Cahill said: "For me, the hardest part of being a parent has been navigating how to accept myself, while also adapting and learning to be the dad that my kids need."
Cahill added that he receives positive messages from strangers who admire his honesty online. "People thank me for helping them feel normal, or accepted, for struggling as a parent," he said.
The clip now boasts more than 148,000 likes and plenty of comments.
One comment read: "Having a ROUGH day and literally teared up thinking I was about to read some encouragement (don't judge me) and ended up spitting my coffee instead. Thanks."
"Sir... That is not the message I needed!!!" posted one user.
"I was like I'm probably going to cry and feel bad about myself as a parent. Then I didn't, so thanks," wrote another person.
It turns out Cahill isn't the only parent who is brutally honest with others, as another person commented: "I told a new mom I haven't slept in 7 years, I don't think it helped."
If you have a family dilemma, let us know via life@newsweek.com. We can ask experts for advice, and your story could be featured on Newsweek.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Lucy Notarantonio is Newsweek's Senior Lifestyle and Trends Reporter, based in Birmingham, UK. Her focus is trending stories and human ... Read more
