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By: Gretchen Sparling
Date Posted: 3/1/2010
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(Not So) Welcome Home, Dad!
In households with two working parents, making the evening transition from work to home life can be tough, particularly when you’re greeted by talkative, energetic kids. According to a December 2009 study published by the American Psychological Association, kids respond to mothers returning from work much more positively than fathers—so why no love for dad?
Dr. Steve Patrick, an area psychologist who coaches parents across North Texas, says dads should look to themselves when looking for answers and solutions. “There’ve been times when my sons would run to me when I got home from work; and there were other times when they didn’t even look up,” the father of two says with a laugh. According to Patrick, dads need to acknowledge that the latter scenario can be hurtful, and it’s up to dads to actively change the situation.
But change doesn’t come easy. “[Kids] aren’t going to want to get into your world, you have to find ways to get interested in their world,” he says. Ask your daughter about her play rehearsal, or find ways for her to want to come to you with what happened during her day. By staying engaged in your children’s lives, says Patrick, you’re reversing that no-so-positive greeting that dads might receive when returning from a long day.
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