A Dad’s Reflection: Being More Present in My Daughter’s Life

As a father and a parent, it’s my responsibility to provide for my family, and like many, I often find myself caught up in the whirlwind of work. I strive to build a better life for my daughter, but in doing so, I sometimes forget about the importance of the present moment. I don’t just mean being physically at home; I mean being fully engaged in my daughter’s life.

I just want to clarify that I’m not suggesting that anyone reading this isn’t present with their children at home. That’s certainly not my intention! This is just from my own experiences, I’ve observed that in the hustle and bustle of our daily routines, we can sometimes lose sight of what truly matters. It's easy to fall into habits that distract us from the most significant aspects of our lives.

It’s easy to grab your laptop or phone and think that being in the same space as your child is enough. But true engagement goes beyond mere proximity. It’s about playing an active role in their world—whether that’s helping them learn a new dance move or teaching them math skills. Recently, I’ve had a revelation regarding the importance of these interactions.

I remember when Daisy used to ask me to read her a bedtime story or request a “nice warm boc boc.” Sadly, I often found myself saying, “No, Daisy, Daddy’s busy working.” Admitting that to myself now pains me. I was so focused on work that I missed precious moments that would never come back.

However, over the last few months, my mindset has shifted. I’ve realised that these little requests are monumental to her. The other day, when she asked me to read her a bed time story I jumped at the chance. The joy on her face was priceless, and it reminded me of how important it is to seize these opportunities.

I now understand that the day she stops asking for those simpler things—the bedtime stories, the help with maths work she loves doing—will be a heartbreaking day for me. I cherish the thought of these small interactions because they build memories and connections that truly matter.

So, here’s my gentle reminder to all the parents out there: be more present with your children. The work will always be there, but these moments of connection are fleeting. Let’s make a conscious effort to engage with our children, to be fully in the moment with them. Because in the end, it’s the time we spend together that creates lasting memories, not the hours we put in at the office or the countless emails we send.

Let’s prioritise being present in our children’s lives. They won’t remember the work we missed, but they will remember the time we spent laughing, learning, and growing together.