The demands of work will affect a father's involvement in the life of his family.
•if a man has lost his job or fears losing his job, he will likely be less involved with his children.
•though things are changing, society's expectations often make it difficult for fathers to choose family life over their careers.
•work demands often reinforce the man as the breadwinner and restrict him from becoming more involved with his family.
•the more hours a man works, the less present he can be to his children - he can be more tired, more distracted, and more easily frustrated and irritated.
So, what can you do?
•decide with your employer how you can keep work from crowding into your family time.
•take a raise in time off instead of money (i.e., work 4.5 days for the same pay you would have received for 5 days).
•set aside one day or evening as family time and protect that time from the demands of work and friends.
•turn off the TV and listen/play/talk with your children.
•use your holidays and vacation time to do things with your family.
•be sure you are caring for yourself - exercise, eat well, get rest and breaks when you can.
•eat at least one meal a day together as a family and be sure to talk about what is interesting for your children - what they did today, what bugged them today, etc.
Any thoughts? Email Brian.
