My Weirdly Strict Dad: The Rules, The Frustrations, and the Love

Introduction

Growing up, most kids have a story about a certain kind of parental rule. Perhaps it was a curfew that seemed impossibly early, a ban on a favorite video game, or maybe just a seemingly endless list of chores. But what about the dads who took strictness to another level, the ones whose rules felt, well, a little *weird*? The dads who weren’t just strict, but oddly, uniquely, strictly so? This is the story of my weirdly strict dad, and how navigating his rules, frustrations, and ultimately, his love, shaped me into the person I am today.

My dad wasn’t just *strict*; he was a *weirdly strict dad*. His brand of discipline wasn’t just about good grades and chores (though those were definitely present). It was about a specific kind of control, manifested in ways that sometimes baffled and often annoyed. Looking back, I realize that while those rules often felt restrictive, even nonsensical, they were undeniably a part of who he was, and who he shaped me to be.

Characteristics of a Weirdly Strict Dad

What defined my dad’s brand of strictness? It wasn’t just about the expected. It was about an almost surgical precision applied to everyday life. The clothes I wore, for instance, were always under scrutiny. There was a very specific dress code enforced even on weekends, including very particular brands and styles. Then there was the diet: no sugary cereals, minimal processed foods, a constant reminder about the importance of vegetables, which, in my adolescent mind, felt like a personal attack on my taste buds.

Curfew? Absolutely. But his wasn’t just about getting home by a certain time. It was the elaborate follow-up questions. “Who were you with? What were you doing? Did they seem trustworthy?” It was a full interrogation. And even if you were home on time, a random check-in was always possible.

The rules regarding friends were just as specific. He vetted every single person I hung out with, and the vetting process wasn’t always pleasant. If a friend didn’t meet his standards, they weren’t welcome, which sometimes made social life incredibly difficult. He had a very clear picture of who he wanted me to associate with, and that picture didn’t always align with my desires.

Then there were the hobbies. He had an opinion on everything, from the sports I played to the music I listened to. This extended to my academic life, where he constantly monitored my grades, scrutinizing my performance with a discerning eye.

So, what was behind this meticulous control? His primary goal was, without question, to keep us safe. The world, in his eyes, was a dangerous place, and his rules were a shield. He worried about everything: reckless drivers, bad influences, the perils of the internet. He was a worrier, and his anxieties fueled his strictness. He also wanted us to succeed, to achieve the kind of life that he had envisioned for us, a life built on hard work and discipline. He understood that a strong foundation, a respect for rules, and a focus on education were the keys to success.

The Impact on the Child and Family

The impact of a weirdly strict dad on a child’s life can be multifaceted. On one hand, it can breed resentment and a desire to rebel. The constant pressure, the feeling of being controlled, the perceived lack of trust – it can be suffocating. There were moments of frustration, of arguments, of slamming doors. The teenage years, in particular, were a constant push-and-pull between my desire for independence and his need to maintain control. The social restrictions often made me feel isolated, especially when my friends had more relaxed households. There were times I felt like I couldn’t be myself.

Yet, it also instilled certain positive traits. The discipline he demanded taught me the importance of structure and responsibility. The emphasis on academics drove me to pursue higher education. He ingrained the value of a strong work ethic. I understood that hard work led to rewards. He taught me to respect authority. I learned to be organized and punctual, a trait I still value today.

The family dynamic became incredibly important, and the values he tried to instill, were often present. Though arguments took place, they were often out of love. He also was determined to be the rock of our family and that determination showed, even if his methods were sometimes, well, *weird*.

Understanding the Dad’s Perspective

Understanding my dad meant understanding his background. He grew up in a time of great economic hardship and had to make many sacrifices. This gave him a deep appreciation for the value of a secure future. His own upbringing had been strict, shaped by a demanding father. He was simply repeating a pattern that he thought had worked for him. He was a product of his environment. This knowledge didn’t excuse his behavior, but it gave me a context for it.

He wasn’t trying to be difficult; he was trying to protect and provide. While some rules seemed unfair or excessive, at the heart of it all was a profound love and a desire for our well-being. I learned that the rules, no matter how strange, were not an act of malice. They were, in their own way, an expression of care, a manifestation of his love, even when it felt suffocating. It was just his way of demonstrating his care.

How to Cope and Thrive

So, how did one survive being the child of a weirdly strict dad? It involved a combination of strategies. First, it meant learning to navigate the rules. This involved understanding what he valued and what was negotiable. We learned when it was best to accept the rules without argument and when a respectful disagreement could be had.

Finding your own voice within a rigid framework is crucial. I learned to express my needs and my feelings in a way that wasn’t aggressive, but also wasn’t passive.

It also meant appreciating the good. He taught us about loyalty, respect, and the importance of family. He provided a stable home, food on the table, and always showed his unwavering support for us, even if we didn’t always see eye to eye on the finer points. Remembering the love underlying his actions was key.

Long-Term Reflections and Lessons Learned

This experience shaped my life in many ways. It made me a planner. I have a strong sense of responsibility and a deep appreciation for stability. I’m more organized than many people I know, and I’m fiercely loyal to those I love. I learned to value the importance of education and hard work.

More importantly, it taught me empathy. I gained an understanding of how people’s past experiences and motivations influence their behavior. I now have a great deal of respect for my dad.

There’s a level of forgiveness that comes into play as time passes. Forgiveness for the times I felt constrained, the times I felt misunderstood, the times I felt annoyed. Forgiving the flaws and embracing the strengths. He wasn’t perfect, far from it. But he loved me.

The journey of reconciling with a weirdly strict dad isn’t always easy. It’s about understanding the source of the behavior, recognizing the underlying love, and learning to appreciate the lessons, even the ones you didn’t realize you were learning. It is an ongoing process of growth and acceptance.

It’s about recognizing that while the rules were sometimes bizarre, and the methods occasionally misguided, the intent was always good. He did the best he could with the information he had.

Conclusion

Growing up with a weirdly strict dad wasn’t always easy. There were frustrations, arguments, and moments of feeling trapped. But as I look back, I realize that the restrictions, the demands, and the strange, uniquely tailored rules were not, at their core, about control. They were about love, protection, and a deep-seated desire to shape us into the best versions of ourselves. They gave us the opportunity to be the best versions of ourselves. He taught us about the importance of discipline, hard work, and the enduring value of family. It was a crash course in life.