Gain Insight: Man Wants To Be Better Father
Pat Palmeri of Insight Counseling is here to answer your questions. Use the form below to ask the therapist.
Dear Pat
I am a single father of four. I love my kids to death. But I never had a father figure growing up. With my oldest getting ready to graduate, I am worried that I was not a good enough father. Maybe I was too distant or something. What can I do to make sure that my other kids have a better father? I’m afraid it’s too late and that breaks my heart to think that.
“Kevin”
Dear Kevin,
It is never too late to be the father you want to be and it doesn’t make any difference how old your child is for you to change in the things you do, say or indicate by your body language. I think many parents have regrets about how they have parented their children. The first step in this process is to say you are sorry for whatever it is you think you may have done that was injurious to your relationship with your children. Ask for their forgiveness and let them know that you want a better relationship with them. Let them know that you are willing to do whatever it takes to be a more loving, caring and understanding father. Regardless, you are still the authority in your children’s lives and you don’t give that up simply because you are making amends to them. Once this is done understand it still takes two to make any relationship work.
Patricia Palmeri, MA, LPC
Psychotherapist
