Some fathers are so busy trying to give their children the childhood they never had… they forget to give them the father they never had. The shoes matter. The trips are nice. The house, the clothes, the opportunities… all of that is a blessing. But little you did not just need more stuff. Little you needed Dad to show up. Little you needed promises kept. Little you needed time. Little you needed consistency. Little you needed to feel chosen. Do not get so focused on upgrading your children’s lifestyle that you forget to upgrade their experience with you.

The child you “never have to worry about” still needs you to check on them. Good grades, good behavior and staying out of trouble don’t mean they aren’t carrying something quietly. Sometimes we spend so much time helping the child who shows us they’re struggling that we unintentionally overlook the one who never gives us any problems. On the last day of Suicide Prevention Month, check on that child too. Don’t let good behavior make your child invisible. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988.