Mindsin - pt. 4 (the countdown begins)

[mindsin]

When it comes to my children, I feel that I have always been a good father to them (yes, even during my years of infidelity). Like I have outlined before, my trysts were rarely in conflict with time I spent with my wife, or my family. They were usually during the work day (when my wife 'thought' I was at work), and NEVER on the weekends.

I read to them consistently every night. I bath them, help them with their homework, help them get dressed, talk to them about their day and the many life questions that they have for me. We have sing-alongs, we dance around the house, we play and run in our yard. I take my son to soccer. I take them to the pediatrician, the dentist, the playground, to birthday parties.

NONE of this has really changed (before or after BD), except I'm doing more of it now, due to my W being less and less available.

After BD, I have made myself even MORE emotionally available to them because they are the primary driving force for me saving my marriage. I have never cried in front of them. I have never sulked, or shown bitterness (regarding my W) in front of them. To them, I am still the happy silly dad I've always been. The only thing that has changed in their minds is that their mom has not been around as much. My 7 year old boy even asked me about it. I told him that mom works a lot to make money for the family.

So you see, this is what I meant by "what every normal parent does", because I don't think I'm doing anything extraordinary -- good or bad. My children are completely shielded from what's going on because more than ever, I'm watching and listening to them on a constant basis -- making sure their needs are met first and foremost.