If Your Dad Says These 11 Things, He's Far More Worried About You Than He Admits
LightField Studios | Shutterstock The impact of a father on a child's life can greatly affect that child's future as an adult. Growing up, a father instills in his child certain social skills, confidence, and acts as a model for their relationships. Once a child has grown up and left home, a dad will still worry, though he may not be forthcoming about how he feels. Because even if he puts up a tough front, he will always want what's best for you.
Whether it's reminding you to lock the deadbolt or requesting you text him when you reach your destination, if your dad says these things, he's far more worried about you than he admits. Dads have a protective instinct within them that motivates them to protect their loved ones from any potential harm. And this may lead to him saying certain things that put your well-being and safety first.
If your dad says these 11 things, he's far more worried about you than he admits
1. 'Text me when you get there'
Inside Creative House | Shutterstock
By asking you to text him when you get to your destination, your father is showing how much he cares about your well-being and wants to ensure your safety. In fact, if your dad says these things, he's far more worried about you than he admits.
He's patiently awaiting your confirmation text and seeking the reassurance that you're okay as a way to manage his anticipatory anxiety. Sometimes, parents have an instinctive worry that causes them to feel an overwhelming amount of responsibility to protect their kids. They feel protective and feel as though they would do anything to keep them safe and sound.
2. 'Don't share too much information on the internet'
Lopolo | Shutterstock
The digital age we live in makes it difficult for parents to feel like they can truly protect their children. If your dad commonly tells you not to share too much information on the internet, it is advice he is hoping you take, because he has concerns about your safety.
He likely understands the risks of not practicing caution when online and has excessive worry that you will have to endure these consequences if you are not careful. While he may not always tell you he is worried about you, his desire to protect your personal data and private information online means that he does.
3. 'You need to change the oil in your car more often'
Rawpixel.com | Shutterstock
While it may seem almost annoying to constantly hear your dad nagging about things needing to be done on your car, like changing the oil or yearly inspections, this constant reminder is always out of love. It is a fatherly instinct to try and prevent bad things from happening to their children.
Your dad understands the dangers of not keeping your car maintenanced. Due to this, he will want to do everything he can to prevent dangers from occurring, and if that means telling you over and over again to take care of your car, he will.
4. 'Make sure you lock the deadbolt when you get home'
fizkes | Shutterstock
Fathers possess a natural instinct to protect their children. In fact, research has indicated that fathers' brains activate when they see their children, in a similar way to maternal responses. Dads understand how dangerous and dark the world can be, so they want to do what they can to make sure their kids are out of harm's way.
When your dad tells you to make sure you lock the deadbolt, it may seem like common sense that you do not need to be told. However, saying this to you helps give him the reassurance he needs. It is a message that shows he considers your well-being and cares deeply about it.
5. 'Are you eating enough?'
Media_Photos | Shutterstock
Whether it's asking if you're eating enough or what your diet consists of, if your dad says these things, he's far more worried about you than he admits. By wanting to ensure that your basic needs are being met, he is showing that he wants you to be healthy and safe and live a long, healthy life.
When you were growing up, he made sure you were well-fed and created an environment that was conducive to helping you build healthy eating habits. Considering that parents understand how significant of an influence their kids' diet has on the way they view food and overall health, he wants to be absolutely certain you are caring for yourself.
6. 'Watch your surroundings'
Monkey Business Images | Shutterstock
Dads want their children to be aware of the dangers in the world because they know it is the best way to prevent harm. Your dad may give you the advice to always watch your surroundings to keep you from being vulnerable to external threats.
This advice is his way of showing you he cares about your safety and signals the protective instinct he has to keep his loved ones from being the victim of a negative situation. If your parents have experienced certain dangers, they will likely be even more protective of you and want to guide you so you avoid harm.
7. 'If you need anything, just call me'
LightField Studios | Shutterstock
When parents worry about their kids, they will insist their kids call them if they need anything. When a dad says this, he is expressing his care for you by letting you know you always have support in him. He does not want you to ever go through tough times alone.
By stating that he will be a support system if you need it, he is respecting your independence while showing concern for any problems you may be facing. He knows you are capable of handling things on your own, but he just never wants you to think you have to.
8. 'Just wanted to check in'
fizkes | Shutterstock
Dads may come across as stoic or reserved due to societal expectations of men, which were likely passed down to them from their own fathers. In society, men are expected to keep their emotions inside and remain a strong figure, especially as a dad.
However, they still show love in other ways, and it is usually through the things they say and do for their children. So, when your dad reaches out to you just to check in, he is showing love. He wants you to know that he cares about your well-being.
9. 'Drive safely'
antoniodiaz | Shutterstock
A dad is worried about you if he always tells you to drive safely anytime you are driving a car. He wants to protect you from harm, especially in situations he cannot control. He will show you he cares through supportive action.
By saying something like this, your dad is able to remain "tough" while still showing you affection in a way that does not require overly emotional language. This is the way many dads show their children care and love, considering they were likely raised in a culture that influenced them to conceal emotion.
10. 'The weather report says rain, so wear a jacket'
Stock Rocket | Shutterstock
When your dad feels genuine worry and concern for your well-being, he wants you to be prepared for anything, even something simple like the weather. If he lets you know that the forecast says rain, he will insist you wear a jacket.
When he is taking the time to anticipate problems you may face and actively providing you with solutions, he wants what is best for you. It may seem simple, but even through this subtle form of worry, he is trying to make sure you are prepared.
11. 'Don't do anything stupid'
Halfpoint | Shutterstock
Whether it's "Don't do anything stupid" or "Make smart choices," if your dad says these things, he's far more worried about you than he admits. He is acknowledging that you might find yourself in challenging situations that could influence you to do wrong, so he is giving a warning of sorts to make you think before you act.
Not only is he showing his love by worrying about your well-being, he is also implying that he has a high level of trust in you. If he knows that just by simply giving this advice you will make better choices, it proves to him that you know how to behave responsibly.
Kamryn Idol is a writer with a bachelor's degree in media and journalism who covers lifestyle, relationship, family, and wellness topics.
