I once attended a gathering where a father of five shared his parenting journey with a group of dads. His kids ranged from 7 to 21, and while he discussed various topics, one piece of advice struck me: “Fellas, when you walk through that door, drop your bags and let the kids climb all over you. It’s more important than you think.” His eyes glistened with tears—not from sorrow, but from a deep sense of regret.
As a dad to three—ages 2, 7, and 9—I could relate. When my eldest, Noah, was born, I was juggling college and work. By the time he was old enough to greet me with excitement, I was often too preoccupied with life’s demands to fully embrace those moments. Sure, I played with him occasionally, but I frequently prioritized my to-do list over his little arms wrapping around me.
Now, as a 9-year-old, Noah has become more absorbed in his own world. When I return home, I often find him on the couch, headphones in place, glued to a video game. I crouch beside him and ask about his day, but he usually gives me a half-hearted “okay” before diving back into his screen. These interactions make me realize how much I miss those earlier days when he craved my attention.
Reflecting on that father’s comments, I couldn’t shake the feeling of urgency. The day after the meeting, I returned home and found myself scrolling through Facebook instead of rushing inside. Suddenly, I noticed my 7-year-old daughter, Lily, beaming at me from the window. She had been eagerly waiting for my arrival. Realizing I was missing out, I quickly set my phone aside and opened the door. Lily jumped into my lap, excited to share her day’s news, and we pretended to drive the car together for a while.
Just then, my youngest, Mia, clung to my leg, and I dropped my bag to scoop her up. Soon, Lily joined us, and we enjoyed a spontaneous snuggle session. To my surprise, Noah looked up from his game, approached us, and wrapped his arms around me too. In that moment, all the stress of the day faded away. It struck me how important these little connections are, and I wondered why I hadn’t prioritized them sooner.
For all you working dads out there, I encourage you to take a moment when you get home. Allow the kids to climb on you and make it a priority. These moments are fleeting, and trust me, you’ll cherish the warmth and love that fills the room. You won’t have regrets, only happy hearts.
If you’re interested in exploring more about parenting and family connections, check out this insightful piece on home insemination. For those considering starting a family, Make A Mom offers excellent resources. Additionally, for reliable information on pregnancy and home insemination, Cleveland Clinic is a fantastic resource.
In summary, when you come home, remember to pause and embrace your children. These moments matter more than any task on your agenda.