Good enough Dad?

[SoldieringOn87]

Hi all, I'm new here and thought I would join up to get some thoughts / advice.

I never feel like I am being a good dad, and that I never do enough physically with my children.

I have an 8 year olD daughter and a 2 year old son.

I don't often do phsycal playing with them, I.e bike rides, going to the park or for walks etc and last week it really hit me and I can't get it out of my head.

Does anyone else have constant feelings of not doing enough with them/being a good enough Dad. I feel that with my daughter the only time I am having interaction is arguing or discipling her..

What sort of things do you do?

Thanks Dad's

I think a lot of parents feel this way. My husband can,t do much, but he in summer he taught the kids how to fish. He used to take them climbing/scrambling. He took daughter to kayak club. He can,t anymore.

Have you actually asked your young daughter what she would like to do when with you.She might well come up with some simple things that would make her happy to share with you.. It is important that you have simple special times with young children, as they will remember them when older.

Just being with them for a bit and listening to what they want is the first step. Just being in their world.

You don't have to do anything apart from sit with them and hear what they have to say. Just sit down and say hey my lovely, what are you up to? and your daughter will I'm sure take it from there.

Just give your self, your focus. You don't have to go to the park ...

Give your time.
You can sit beside them and watch them play, comment on what they are doing, ask what they are building.
It's not that easy as it is quite boring for an adult. But I feel that I was ignored (not deliberately) but that's how it was when I was a child and think I might have been a different person (more confident and successful) if I'd had a bit of interest and encouragement from my DPs.

Firstly its not easy! But the important things in life are not things, as mentioned above, the kids will remember the stuff you did they days out but not the car they went in or the clothes they wore.
Ask her what she would like to do? Make things with her if you can? Model, Bird box, decorate something.
Take them to the park, collect leaves and make something. Walk to the top of the biggest local hill.
Make Daughter time each week.
Is she arty? Get to Pound land etc for glue, glitter etc and make some Christmas decorations.
Here is a family who do a bit
www.donthibernate.co.uk

This Fishery gives free lessons to kids
www.llandeglafishery.com
When you go to the park take a picnic summer or winter let them help to make it.
We often take a small stove and do Hot Dogs tea etc