7 Bad Habits I Had to Quit to Become a Better Parent

When I first became a single father raising an autistic child, I believed being the “perfect parent” meant never making mistakes. Over time, I learned that my bad habits were holding both me and my child back. In this post, I’ll share what I changed—and how you can start too.

1. Trying to Be a “Perfect” Parent

The pressure to have all the answers and never stumble is exhausting. In autism parenting, this mindset often leads to burnout. Real growth starts when we show up as learners, not perfectionists.

2. Over-Correcting Every Behavior

As dads, we often want to “fix” everything. I learned that sometimes the best teaching happens when you pause, observe, and connect. Listening builds trust far faster than lecturing.

3. Ignoring My Own Mental Health

Self-care is not selfish. As a father of an autistic child, I realized that neglecting my mental health made me short-tempered and emotionally drained. Taking care of yourself helps your child thrive too.

4. Doing It All Alone

I tried to handle it all—work, therapy appointments, school transitions. The truth? You can’t do this alone. Reaching out to therapists, teachers, and other parents builds a support system that helps everyone succeed.

5. Comparing My Child’s Progress to Others

Comparison kills joy. Every child on the autism spectrum develops at their own pace. Celebrate small victories and focus on connection over competition.

6. Living Without Routine

Children with autism thrive on structure. Once I replaced chaos with a predictable routine, both Jake and I felt calmer. Consistent habits build stability—and stability builds confidence.

7. Focusing on Weaknesses Instead of Strengths

When I stopped trying to “fix” my child and started celebrating his strengths—his creativity, imagination, and love of superheroes—everything changed. That passion became the foundation of Jake Jetpulse and the work we do today.

💡 Why These Changes Matter

Quitting these habits helped me become a more present, patient, and purposeful father. The Super-Dad Mindset isn’t about perfection—it’s about awareness, action, and compassion. Every parent can grow stronger by reflecting and choosing differently.

📄 Download Your Free Worksheet

To help you take action, I created a free, printable worksheet. It helps you reflect on the habits you want to change and guides you through weekly steps toward growth.

📥 Download the Jetpulse Parent Change Worksheet (PDF)

*This worksheet isn’t a diagnostic tool—it’s a resource to help parents reflect and grow.*

🌟 Final Thoughts

I’m not a therapist. I’m a dad who learned through experience. Parenting a child with autism isn’t easy, but it’s powerful. Every habit you change shapes a better future for your child. Keep showing up. Keep trying. That’s what real superheroes do.

Jetpulse Studios — Educate. Empower. Inspire.