Too many men today seek reasons to get away from their kids.
They disguise it with language like “needing space” or “time to reset.” They say they need a break, that they’ve earned it, that fatherhood is exhausting…
And while there’s a case for rest, there’s a bigger case for presence.
Because here’s the hard truth: If you’re constantly trying to escape your kids, you’re missing the point of being a father.
I was heading to the gas station this past Saturday, a quick run to fill up, nothing more…
It was a 10-minute errand tops...
But I looked at my daughter before I left and said, “Come on, let’s go for a ride.”
No agenda.
No big bonding moment planned.
But that 10-minute drive turned into a 30-minute loop.
Why?
Once we filled up and headed back home, she asked, “Can we take the long way home?”
And during that extra time, she opened up about everything:
Her friends.
Her fears.
Her thoughts.
Her heart.
All because I said yes to a simple ride.
It wasn’t a vacation.
It wasn’t a birthday dinner.
It wasn’t a scheduled “dad time” block on my calendar.
It was spontaneous.
Real.
And exactly what she needed.
And the truth is…
