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The demands of work will affect a father's involvement in the life of his family.  Here are some thoughts to think about:

• if a man has lost his job or fears losing his job, he will likely be less involved with his children.
• though things are changing, society's expectations often make it difficult for fathers to choose family life over their careers.
• work demands often reinforce the man as the breadwinner and restrict him from becoming more involved with his family.
• the more hours a man works, the less present he can be to his children - he can be more tired, more distracted, and more easily frustrated and irritated.

So, what can you do?

• decide with your employer how you can keep work from crowding into your family time - be available for medical appointments and other things your child
• take a raise in time off instead of money (i.e., work 4.5 days for the same pay you would have received for 5 days).
• set aside one day or evening as family time and protect that time from the demands of work and friends.
• turn off the TV and listen/play/talk with your children.
• use your holidays and vacation time to do things with your family.
• be sure you are caring for yourself - exercise, eat well, get rest and breaks when you can.
• eat at least one meal a day together as a family and be sure to talk about what is interesting for your children - what they did today, what bugged them today, etc.