How Can A Dad Make Up For Lost Time?

So there’s this working dad, maybe it’s me, maybe it’s you, who has missed so much of his kid’s young life trying to put food on the table and keep the lights on. How does he make up for lost time? Is there a way to roll back the years? Is it more damaging to even try?

How A Dad Can Make Up For Lost Time

Eddie Starkey: Who said working a lot of hours doesn’t make you a good father? You’re providing for them so they won’t go with food or clothes or a place to live. It’s not like you don’t see them at all, just cherish the time you do see them.

David Hubbard: Don’t try and catch up on what you’ve missed as you’ll just end up missing the present by living in the past. You have already shown you are a good father by showing that this is an issue for you. Forget what is already gone and focus on what’s in front of you. You get chances to create memories every day. Don’t make a mess of it by trying too hard and being someone you’re not. Have fun with your children and they’ll remember you well for it.

Tim Crutchfield: I worked two jobs for years, I’m still trying to get a bond with my girls we have two and two, my boys are my buds even though one is a momma’s boy, I quit one of my jobs years ago, my advice try to make it work with one job and if possible less hours, we don’t go on as many vacations as we once did and we have trouble financially at times but money doesn’t buy love brother, trust me I found out the hard way.

Mike Miltko: No books my friend: just spend as much quality time with your family whenever possible. I spent many years deployed when I was Active duty Army and always felt like I was playing “catch up and make up for it” in the Dad and Husband department since I missed so much.

Andy Rentfrow: Working to support your family is Noble and does not make you less of a father.

Charles Rues Martin: Make necessary adjustments and sacrifices to be present… even if you are dead tired after work make the sacrifice and go to the baseball practice or tea party.

Michael Orr: Not really. My dad did the same thing. Mom was around a lot more than dad was. Same in my family. I’m working to make sure my wife gets the time she wants. Don’t fret. Your time is coming.

Lliam Parslow: The kids as they grow will understand that you worked long hours for them. I wouldn’t be upset about being a “better father”. You’re a great father making sacrifices so you can live a comfortable life, which is admirable.

Danny Baggett: I missed watching my two girls grow up, due to work and a divorce. When my second wife and I found out we were expecting, I stepped down from a supervisor position, when I went on maternity leave with her, plus a took little cut in pay, and went to a four day work week, to spend as much time time with him as I can. My wife works days, me nights. I am tired, we make due with a little less, but it was the best decision I ever made.

Kay Edwards: The fact that you are seeking advice and ideas shows that you are a good dad. Experiences will shine through to them. Get super excited about holidays, go nuts for Halloween and get dressed up with them. Read to them every chance you get. Have lovely one on one time with each of them and group time.

Justin Adkins: Just spend a lot more quickly time with them with no distractions. Keep it simple no big expensive things Disney world. Think up outside the box simple things like putting the big screen TV in the garage and pretend you’re at the drive in theater.

Flickr photo by Tony Alter.