Shrek - The Reluctant King of Dadhood

We’re breaking down one of the most unlikely yet relatable dads in animated history—Shrek. The guy who just wanted to live in his swamp, be left alone, and have a nice quiet life… but no, life had other plans. Sound familiar? Yeah, welcome to fatherhood.

Shrek starts his journey as the ultimate ‘Leave-Me-Alone’ dad. He’s cranky, sarcastic, and would rather wrestle an angry dragon than deal with people. But fatherhood? That’s the one thing that completely unravels him—and turns him into a real hero. Today, we’re going to look at how Shrek’s journey reflects the struggles of modern dads, what lessons he learns, and how we can apply them to our own lives.

Discussion Questions:

• What’s one lesson from Shrek’s journey that you’ve experienced in your own fatherhood?

• How do you balance your need for personal space with your responsibilities as a parent?

• Do you think fatherhood changes men for the better? Why or why not?

• Shrek struggles with feeling like he’s “losing himself” in family life. Have you ever felt this way? How do you deal with it?

• If Shrek had a ‘Dad Mantra,’ what would it be?