Daddy Issues Meaning Causes 6 Signs You Have Them Meaning for daddy challenges encompasses a range of mental challenges associated with one's bond with their parent or manly guardian. It may refer to negative consequences resulting from a lack of appropriate paternal guidance, like emotional instability or attachment concerns. Additionally, it can encompass the effect of a negative father figure within one's life, including trust, abandonment, or neglect. Such difficulties can manifest in diverse ways, affecting a person's relationships, self-esteem, as well as mental well-being.