Time With My Son

There is a special time fathers need to spend with their sons. One loses track of where their children are unless time is taken to recapture that connection. I do not refer to location, though of utmost importance, rather, in their lives. They need to know that you are still there for them. Saying so is not enough. Making time is as important as family itself.

If more parents would simply hang out with them, there would not be nearly the issues we have today with kids. This is controvercial, to be sure. Most of us lead very busy lives, and while every moment does not have to be devoted to our offspring, more than we do does! This does not mean to horn in on gatherings with their friends, especially between the ages of 12 and 18. Set aside a Saturday, even a few hours, to merely reconnect.

Today, I had to go to the office for some work that could not be done during the week. My son enjoys going to work with me, so I suggested he come along. And he did, more than willingly. Afterwards, we went to the range, went to lunch and... well... went to the mall. Out of the blue, my son said, "Dad, I am glat we are spending time together!" Despite our closeness, that was probably the most touching thing he could have said to me.

I think we have a much closer relationship than most parents have with their children. And for this, I believe, he will have the benefit of having his Dad's guidance, support and comeraderie that most children grow up without these days. Being involved with one's children allows adults to recapture some of their own childhood. Strangely, I've noticed many don't allow themselves that luxury.

This is what's missing in most families today. Simply time. Being there and available.