Does this make me a bad parent?

Question

I HAVE A 1 AND HALF YR OLD SON AND HARDLY SPEND ANY TIME WITH HIM CAUSE I WORK SO MUCH I WORK 6 DAYS OUT OF THE WEEK THE REASON I WORK SO MUCH IS TO GIVE HIM WHAT HE NEEDS BUT AT THE SAME TIME HE NEEDS ME TO BE THERE. WHAT SHOULD I DO CAUSE I FEEL LIKE IM NEVER THERE AND THAT IM MISSING OUT.

Answer 1

The truth is, you are missing out. On a lot. But for d**n good reason. A reason that is worth his respect. Don't ever question yourself. You do what you have to in this crazy world, and you are doing all you can to make sure your son is fed and sheltered. That's a h**l of a lot more than some would do. Chin up, and remind yourself of WHY you do what you do! I wish you the best!

Answer 2

You are not a bad parent. And you are definitely not alone in this.

Answer 3

No, it doesn't make you a bad parent, but you do need to be careful. Money is important, that's a fact, but it's just as important, maybe even more so, that your child knows that he is your number one priority, and that you love him completely.

My aunt (whom I love greatly) is in a similar situation. She works constantly, and it has put a strain on her relationship with her kids. She loves her kids, but it's hard to show that when you don't see them as often as you'd like, and the result is heartbreaking on both sides.

Why don't you cut down on the extras for a while (if you air on the side of frugality now, odds are your son will never feel like he's going without, and it will give you more freedom to splurge a bit when he's older and can appreciate it) and work on putting together a savings account. Then see if there is any way that you can cut back on hours.

If you have some savings already set aside then it won't be as scary, and you'll be surprised by how much you can cut back on without really noticing it. I guarantee that it's worth it.

Answer 4

No, you are not a bad parent. You are working to support him. Its not like you are out partying.

Is there anyway that you can cut back on your schedule a day or two... Or can you not afford it?

Answer 5

your a hard working mother, not a bad parent and soon there will be time for you and your child. he will thank you in the long run when he has everything that a child can need

Answer 6

you're not a "bad" parent - you're an "absent" parent.  

are you sure you're giving him what he *needs*?

for example, he *needs* clothing - he does NOT need gap, old navy, oshkosh, nike...  

he *needs* food - he doesn't need top sirloin, breast of chicken, and gourmet tofu.

he *needs* to play - he doesn't need the latest gadget.

do you budget and really decide if you're working so much because you are trying to meet his needs or if you're trying to compensate by providing unnecessary luxuries.

Answer 7

you aren't a bad parent at all. See if you can take a few days of once a month to spend time with your son. But as long as he's getting the proper care he needs when you're away then you are just doing what is necessary.