Tough Question for Fathers

I am self employed. I am a writer/publisher struggling to pay the bills by working two part-time jobs while attempting to get my company, ClearView Press Inc., off the ground. Too many days are spent with little or no work accomplished because I'm stressed by my situation - six children, three jobs and a host of responsibilities other than family.

How does a father do everything that must be done and still make time to connect with his children let alone his wife? This question is lived out daily in my house. I wish I could say I do a great job of juggling everything, but I cannot unless I lie.

I treasure my good days, try to learn from my bad and hope I don't damage my children's lives in between. Heck, I've written a book on how to bond with your young children. You would think I would have this thing under control. I trudge through too many days of mediocrity and distance even though I am home with my children every day.

One of the positive aspects I achieved is accessibility. I am available to my children twenty-four hours a day. I recognize this is not something I should hang my legacy on, being open and accessible to my children certainly delivers some clout.

Depression sneaks up like a slithering bandit wanting to steal the joy of fatherhood from me. Too much work, not enough money and a house of chaos invites dark, melancholy moods that drip dissension throughout the house if I'm not careful. I know no pain worse that one of my children bearing the brunt of my frustrations whether it manifest in anger or distance.

Children are a gift from God. A gentleman brought this home to me one night a few weeks ago. He told stories of couples, many couples, who could not have children. These barren couples would give anything just to have one of my six blessings. My children have been entrusted to me and I need to make sure each child receives the best nurture, love, teaching and discipline I am capable of delivering.

The best answer I have for fathers is - make certain you keep your priorities straight. Our spouses come first but our children fall in close behind. Placing work ahead of them is a drastic miscarriage of responsibility. Keeping a strong focus on family helps.