My dad is always at work and barely spends time with me anymore. What should I do?

Question

My mom died about 6 years ago and he got divorced about a year and a half. We never see my baby sister. I thought it might be depression, but we dont hang out so much now. I've talked to him but nothing really happened.

Answer 1

Go to work with him.

Answer 2

Sometimes it takes a child to lead. He doesn't know what he is missing. He is so lucky to have you. Send him a card. In it, insert a letter telling him how you feel. Also tell him you would like to spend more time with him. Follow up on it. The time parents and children have in order to bond is so short. Is there another relative who can help you work this out?

You need to spend regular quality time together starting now.

Answer 3

There is never one cause with one solution to human problems. Consider this: at work he is probably in his comfort zone. He knows what's expected of him and he knows how to deliver it. At home, he has a daughter with emotional needs that he knows are there but, having never been a teenaged girl, he is not quite sure how to deal with. Additionally, he probably feels that part of his role in life is to provide as best he can for the two of you. He does that at work.

Make the most of the time that you do spend together. Look for opportunities to do small things together. When you are with him, focus on enjoying the moment and not the fact that the moment will end. In short, don't rob the moment of its joy.

Answer 4

i lost my dad this year in January on my birthday i would anything to see his smile and ask how was work. my dad was very special to me i can also tell that your father is the same to you. tell him that at the end of each hard working day he still needs to spend quality time with you, there are going to be time went you would want to look back and say my dad and I went shopping, fishing etc. made him to see that the only thing that we have is each other and went one has die only our memory lives on.
sweetheart take good care of him love him, pamper him, and never let a day pass even if he's at work went he gets home the first thing to say is I LOVE YOU DADDY

Answer 5

During a time when you can talk to him like dinner or in the car, ask him how he feels. It's probably depression. Tell him how you feel and that you want to spend more time with him. He's probably working more to get his mind off something

Answer 6

When he gets home from work take him by the hand and set on the couch next to him.Then grab him by the face and shake his head! And say "Dad-this is a wake-up call ! We have got to spend more time together or else we won't have a future left as a family together!" Try it! It worked for me and my mom!

Answer 7

So sorry to hear about your mom.Your dad probably really misses her too.Men aren't always that great at expressing their feelings so its hard for them to talk.Maybe buy your dad a card and write down how much you miss your mom because she's gone but that he's still here and you still need him.Really let him know all that you are feeling.Put it on his pillow so he'll see it.If that doesn't help then maybe ask a trusted relative to help you.Good luck.

Answer 8

I feel for you going thru all of this. It must be difficult for you. Where is your little sister? Any way to yak with her on the phone and stay in touch, or e-mail her?
See if you can go get a ice cream with dad or something light like this and tell him you miss him when you go. No telling what he's dealing with either.

Answer 9

My Dad worked 12-14 hrs a day when I was growing up.He regrets not spending time with us,but we tell him we needed the money for food/bills/ect...Maybe you could try and help out with the bills & then you guys can spend more time with each other

Answer 10

Boy, that's a tough situation. What you're going to have to do is try to let him know that you appreciate and love him. You'll need to understand that he may not be feeling too great about himself and may be burying himself in his work to escape from the idea of the failed marraige as well as being separated from his other daughter. It sounds as though he may also be trying to make ends meet. Does he have a huge debt load to pay off? Are living expenses high where you're living? Is he trying too hard to give you really good things instead of spending time with you? You need to let him know that he is a very valuable person in your life and that you want to share time with him. Does he play cards? Has he ever? Does he play pool or bowl? How about going out to eat? What kinds of things can you think of that might entice him and which he just might be interested in. Talk to him about his day, if you can. Listen to him if he'll talk to you. Be there for him and let him know you're there for him. He'll get the idea sometime. Just don't get discouraged. Above all, don't complain or nag or beg or whine. Just talk to him and try to understand that he may be self-image problems or that he may be trying totake care of debts, etc. Try to be mature about your discussions and wait for him to respond.

I hope this helps. Good luck. I'd be so happy to know my daughters wanted to talk to me as much as it sounds as thought you want to speak with your dad.

Answer 11

Tell him that if he doesn't start spending more time with you then you'll probably end up doing drugs, turning tricks and getting pregnant by your boyfriend/pimp/supplier. That should get his attention. Then, hopefully, you two will be able to have a serious talk and get things straightened out.