I was sitting in a community center, absorbing the wisdom of a dad with five kids, ages ranging from 7 to 21. He had a lot to share, but what really struck me was his heartfelt advice: “Fellas, when you walk through that door, just drop your bag and let the kids cling to you. It’s so important.” And then, out of nowhere, he started tearing up. This was no ordinary outburst; it was a wave of regret washing over him.
I have three kids myself—ages 2, 7, and 9—and I can relate. When my eldest, Ethan, was born, I was just 24, balancing college classes and a part-time job. Once he was old enough to notice my arrival, I’d come home and the last thing on my mind was letting him crawl all over me. Sure, he’d try; from ages 2 to 6, I had to literally peel him off my leg! But honestly, my priorities were often elsewhere—grabbing a snack, greeting my partner, checking my phone, or rushing to finish assignments. I was so focused on my responsibilities, believing it would benefit my family, that I often brushed my son aside. And now, I can’t help but feel a pang of regret.
Fast forward to today, and Ethan, now 9, is less eager to engage. He’s usually parked on the couch, headphones in, lost in some virtual world. I crouch next to him and ask, “How was your day?”—only to receive a half-hearted grunt in response. It’s a bittersweet reminder of the times when he would rush to me the moment I walked in the door. I realize now how much I miss that connection and how I’m losing bits of those moments as he grows more independent and focused on his own interests.
That community center meeting was a turning point for me. I don’t have five kids, just three, but the thought of Ethan not greeting me at the door anymore hit home. The next day, I parked in front of our house and found myself scrolling through social media instead of heading inside immediately. Then, my 7-year-old daughter, Lily, knocked on my window, her face glowing with excitement. She had been waiting for me, probably perched on the back of the couch, eager to share her day.
I put my phone away and opened the door. Lily jumped into my lap, sharing the news that her teacher was pregnant. We pretended to drive the car for a while, and when we went inside, my little one, Mia, was already tugging at my leg, demanding attention. So, I dropped my bag, crouched down, and let her crawl into my lap. Suddenly, Ethan looked up from his game, walked over, and gave me a hug. It was a long, exhausting day, and I usually craved some quiet time to unwind, but those snuggles filled a void I didn’t even know I had.
So, to all the working dads out there, I urge you: make that moment count! Let your kids climb on you after a long day. Trust me, it won’t take long but the warmth of those moments will linger in your heart. There will be no regrets, just joy and connection.
If you’re interested in more parenting reflections, check out this post on how to navigate the intricacies of home insemination at Intracervical Insemination. And if you want to learn about various options available, you can visit Make a Mom, an authority on this topic. For excellent resources on pregnancy, don’t miss this link.
In summary, being present for your kids when you come home is crucial. It strengthens your bond and creates memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t let the daily grind overshadow those precious moments.