When you’re young, you think your dad is Superman. Then you grow up, and you realize he’s just a regular guy who wears a cape.

Growing up, even if we only did it subconsciously or begrudgingly, most of us looked up to our parents. Sure, maybe they didn’t “get” the pop culture references of the day, but we generally assumed that they knew what they were doing. Now that we’re adults and many of us are parents ourselves, we’ve come to same realization as American comedian Dave Attell. Nobody really knows what they’re doing; some people just play the part a little more convincingly.

This largely echoes a sentiment expressed by another comedian: Ricky Gervais. When we look up to our role models and read about success stories, we are given this impression that they’ve “figured it out.” The thing is that while they may enjoy more luxurious creature comforts than most, the rich and famous and successful are still human beings.

And as a child, before you learn more of the greater world, your parents are the superstars in your life. They work, they cook, they clean, they tuck you in at night, they fix your toys… the list goes on and on. There’s almost nothing mommy and daddy can’t do, right? Your parents were amazing. It’s only later on, as Dave Attell points out, that you might learn they too had their share of struggles and frustrations and challenges… just as you experience them today as an adult.

Today is Father’s Day, as you know. And as you might also recall, I’ve stated before that far and away the biggest life change I’ve ever experienced was becoming a dad. That transition has been far more profound than deciding to be a freelancer, getting married, or buying our first home together.

Fatherhood has most assuredly been a tremendous source of stress. It has also provided me with an incredible sense of purpose and meaning. It’s not about me; it’s all for her. I don’t consider what I do as a work-at-home dad to be particularly special or unique. By the same accord, however, in connecting with other parents and discussing our respective sacrifices and experiences, I’ve also increasingly come to recognize that not all heroes wear capes.

But all heroes do deserve some recognition, hopefully on more than just one designated holiday a year. Happy Father’s Day to all the dads and father figures out there. You might not think you’re particularly special, but in someone’s tiny eyes, you’re Superman. Wear that cape with pride.