Many fathers tend to get preoccupied with making a living. Meaningful time for the kids while they are still young enough to enjoy it is important.
While that pattern has changed somewhat in the fact that most parents work at least part-time nowadays, many fathers experience job demands that prevent them from spending as much quality time with their families as they would like. Here are a few suggestions that can help busy dads avoid obstacles to family life.
1. Don't bring work home with you. Sometimes you must work on a deadline project or clear up an overflow following your vacation. But whenever you can avoid it, don't fill a briefcase with things to do after hours. The work will wait at your office until the next day, and your family will get to see you in another role besides that of breadwinner. If you must bring work home, try to save an hour or two for the family before or after dinner.
2. Don't work overtime or weekends. On occasion you may have to pick up an extra shift, or perhaps your supervisor will expect you to do so. But when it's simply an option for extra income, unless you need the money greatly, choose time over money. You can always make money later, when the kids are older. But you will never get a second chance to watch them grow or play an important role in their development.
3. Don't cancel family plans or miss kids' events. A true emergency is unavoidable, of course, and the family will understand when this happens. But make a point of taking the vacation as planned and showing up for your children's sports events or dance recitals. It means so much when Dad comes to watch them perform; don't deny them this special treat and respect.
4. Don't put others' needs ahead of your kids. Men generally are expected to be problem solvers. That means lonely senior citizens or single parents may ask for help with household problems. You can set a good example of helping others when the kids tag along and see your good deeds in action. But don't get in the habit of cutting your sister's lawn because her husband works overtime or cutting down a second cousin's tree because he's saving money for a Las Vegas trip. Always put your family's needs first and share whatever is left over.
5. Don't dishonor their mother. Fight in private, behind closed doors, without raising your voice. Be willing to sacrifice your interests to advance those of your wife and you will be seen as gallant and chivalrous, a truly strong husband and father who protects and loves his family. The kids need to know you love the person that has borne and raised them, and that you are not going to forsake her or them.
Being a dad is difficult at times. Avoid some of these common pitfalls that have caused many a man to stumble, and you will keep your family together in lasting and loving bonds.
