bummed about being only a part time Dad..

[GQ Chris]

I have a daughter, and she is almost 8 years old, getting really tall.. she is really Smart, and is a good kid, I couldn't be Prouder of her. Her mother and me split back in '04.. I have her part time for now, one weekend per month and then in the Summer 2 weeks. I am in the bay area, and my daughter lives in Southern Cal, she takes a plane to the bay area to see me.

I am over the relationship and everything that went with the breakup, I guess I am just bummed out that I am not in my kid's daily life, I want to be able to give her the very Best which is what inspires me to work hard in my career. I know that scripture says that we are held by the cords of sin, and this was just the fallout from it, but I have repented of my ways and the ungodly way I pursued the relationship with my ex. I plan on asking the court for more visitation time.

My ex. and I aren't really on talking terms; I have forgiven her and just let everything go to God. I guess I am just ranting because I don't like being away from my kid, and not being a part of her daily life.

 

[faith177]

I am so sorry that is happening to you, there are so many bad dads that couldnt give a flying leap and moms that beg those dads to spend time. Then Dads like you who want to but cant its sad. Any chance that you can move closer to her in order to see her more often?

 

[bugaboo]

It's a shame you can't see your daughter very often, I think children need their fathers.

I know that scripture says that we are held by the cords of sin, and this was just the fallout from it, but I have repented of my ways and the ungodly way I pursued the relationship with my ex.

This is something I can relate to, knowing that I am to blame for the fallout and how it has affected my children.

I have to echo what faith said, is there anyway to live closer to your daughter? Because in the end, it's not about what you can give her in terms of material things, it's the other stuff, the time and relationship aspects that matter most. Please don't take that the wrong way, because I am sure you've probably made the most of your situation, and I don't know the details, it just saddens me to see so many children growing up without their fathers around.

 

[TexasSky]

In this day and age, distance is no reason to not be a daily part of her life.
Use text messaging, phone calls, internet conferences with cameras to stay in touch with her daily. Share photos, thoughts, and most of all , love, daily.

 

[Gods4me]

your a really good dad just for wanting to see her and want to be part of her life.
you should ask for more time theres no harm in it.
thats just great. glad to see there are some dads out there that care. (my ex is nothing like you) your doing the right thing by yopur daughter and thats good.

 

[trying2be]

I find it difficult being a "part-time" parent too. I share custody with my ex and he lives in the city so our child goes back and forth. She's only 5 and doesn't like being away from me for very long so I gave her pictures that she can take with her and usually she tries to do something that will make her feel close to me while she's at her dad's (sometimes it's something really simple like wear a matching shirt and I let her know that I wore mine too, or wearing the fuzzy socks I bought her... she went through a phase where I had to spray my perfume on her favorite stuffed animal and she could cuddle it and smell "me"). There are lots of little things you can do to make sure your daughter feels loved all the time... that's the main thing!