How to get my son who is 8 years old to get closer to his father
My son is 8 years old and he only wants to be with me, never his dad. His dad seems hurt that our son only wants to be with me. I told his dad that you have to make an effort since the day he could walk and talk you never did. Our son feels that his dad does not care for him, he never really talks to him, he never said I Love you, and they never hug. In 8 years I think they hug 2 times. Does anyone have any suggestions? Is it normal for a dad to want to spend time with his son 1 every 5 weeks?
Your answers are terrific, he does do the lego thing with our son Justin, but Justin Dad (Mike) grew up in a family where his dad is blind and they never talked about emotions or feelings all his parents did was watch tv with Mike. When Mike was 12 years old he had to get a job so he can buy his own things his parents were to poor or maybe they were to selfish to really take care of there kids I don't know, but I feel Mike has a lot of baggage from his childhood.
I'm sure it's tough. My dad was never really there for us, emotionally, either.
Perhaps you can start out doing things together, like all three of you. Maybe all three could go camping and dad could show son how to fish, just the two of them. Or you could go for a picnic and dad can throw the ball with son. See what I'm saying? All three of you go out but find something that just the two of them can do together. You'll still be there which would be comfort to your son and would make it less awkward. But at the same time he'll be getting some one on one with his dad.
I agree.
Quoting LuvingRN:
I think at this point it is the dad who needs to put in a ton of effort here. He needs to understand that its because of his lack of being there that his son doesnt want to be with him. You cant force it...his dad needs to show his son that he truely loves him and wants to spend time with him on a CONSISTANT basis.
10 things parents should avoid saying to children
- kathyjustin
on Jul. 15, 2012 at 8:47 AM