I ran across an older post over at 21st Century Dad that brought up some good points on what the challenges are for a dad these days. After reading his post I have to agree that though there are many challenges for a mom… yet as a Dad there are also many challenges that one may or may not think of…
I especially can relate to the fact that as a working father in a job that has a demanding schedule…I have to continually make decisions on whether I will do things that will further my career or do things that maintain or build my relationships with my family at home.
These decisions are not always easy and are many times not in concert with one another…but they have to be made. I always try my best to balance the two…but find that I tend to put more time into work. Even to the extent of checking in on email when I am on vacation…I know, I know…work-a-holic…that is what J-Mom would say… I guess she is somewhat right…I do put a lot into work…but I feel that this is what brings good results to what I do as well, so I am in a bit of a quandary to this as I truly want to be a good husband and father but at the same time, I feel the need to be successful and thrive within my work.
This is at the crux of the challenge of working fatherhood…and I guess I would say working motherhood…how to balance both without sacrificing one (if this is possible).
For me, what I do is try my best to be present when I am at home. I also will do what I can to check in with the family at least once per day to say hello and take a pulse on the situation (Will I need to provide mommy 
CPR when I get home). I think though the largest issue for me has definitely been being present and trying to do special things with each of my girls when I am at home in the evenings and on the weekends. Sometimes these experiences are with J-Mom and sometimes I try and give her a break away from the kids. All-in-all I try my best, but I am sure that there are better ways to accomplish this balancing act.
What have you done to balance this? Have you been successful at your attempts? What other advice do you have for others struggling with this balance issue?
