Father Talk

 It's hard to parent or to be a parent when circumstances keep you apart.  My son lives in the PNW, and his children live in the Midwest.  His life choices have made it more than difficult to be a dad.  That said, I was listening to a conversation he had with his daughter this week.  And it was pretty good from a parenting perspective.  

They talked about their relationship, his life choices and his hope that his children do not follow those choices, her dreams, her boyfriend and mundane moments.  There was only one point where I felt like adding to the conversation.  I managed to not do so.  Just listened.  She has a dream, and he encouraged her in it.  I wanted to add a warning, but I think he is right.  At her age it is wonderful to dream big and there is no reason to dampen it.  

It's not the first conversation he has had with his children that has impressed me.  Last year he had similar ones with his son.  And it was different than conversations with his daughter.  Sometimes it amazes me.

Now I know these conversations are actually easier for the parent not doing the day to day raising of children.  It isn't tempered with the frustrations of teaching life skills and cleaning up messes.  It isn't shrouded in having to support a household and keeping it all together.  But they are conversations that are good for the children to have.  Good for them to understand who their father is from him.  Good for their wellbeing for the positive affirmations he gives.  He does love his children even if he cannot parent 24/7.  He gives what he can, and they take what they can.