50 Times Dads Made It Extremely Clear Why Their Kids Don’t Want To Talk To Them (New Pics)

How’s your relationship with your dad? In theory, this is a very simple question. But for many people, it can trigger an avalanche of memories and a rollercoaster of emotions. On one hand, you may love him because, well, he is your dad after all. But if he’s barely in your life or has let you down more times than you can count, you might not be thrilled to talk about him.

Unfortunately, it’s extremely common for people to have complicated relationships with their dads. In fact, the National Fatherhood Initiative notes on their site that nearly a quarter of all children in the United States live without a biological, step or adoptive father in their home.

Despite how common it is for kids to grow up without fathers, it’s still ideal for children to have two loving parents in the house. Playing with Dad in their early years of life can positively contribute to a child’s social, emotional and cognitive growth. And having a strong relationship with their father while growing up is associated with less depressive symptoms for kids of all genders throughout their adolescence.

In fact, the National Fatherhood Initiative even reports that the presence of a loving father during teenage years is likely to curb delinquent behavior in boys. At the same time, the absence of a father figure in a child’s early years is associated with delinquency and criminal behavior in adulthood.    

To learn more about this topic, we got in touch with Jim Mckenzie, Founder and CEO of Everything for Dads. He was kind enough to have a chat with Bored Panda and discuss what being a good father means to him.

"Being a good dad means showing up, even when you'd rather hide under the covers. It's about being a safe haven for your kids, cheering them on (even when their soccer skills need work), and teaching respect by being that example every single day," Jim shared.

"A good dad admits when he's wrong, listens more than he talks, and knows that love is always the best choice in an argument. You can be a disciplinarian if you pair it with thoughtfulness, selflessness and compassion for your child's point of view," Jim continued.

"Always try to stand in their shoes before you speak, especially in highly charged situations. You'll be surprised by how insightful children can be, and you'll build greater awareness of your own issues," the father told Bored Panda. "Bonus points for being able to laugh at yourself because it makes them feel safe sharing their thoughts with you!"

We also asked Jim why he believes it's so common for people to have strained relationships with their fathers. "Dads often struggle to show vulnerability, making it hard to form deep connections with their kids. A lot of this boils down to expectations and old-school ideas about masculinity," he noted.

"Many dads grew up with the 'stiff upper lip' handbook—where emotions are for the weak, and love means providing, not hugging. Add in busy lives and communication gaps, and you’ve got a recipe for distance," the father continued. "Plus, some dads just aren’t great at parenting; they might be dealing with their own issues or lacking the necessary skills. It’s unfortunate, which is why I emphasize the importance of vulnerability and presence in fatherhood."

Next, we asked Jim if he could share some advice for fellow fathers out there. "Alright, young Padawans, listen up! Before having kids, seriously consider if you’re ready to put someone else’s needs before your own for a long time," he shared. "Learn to listen: Not just hear, but really listen to what your kids are saying, even when it’s delivered in the form of a teenage grunt."

"Be present: Put down the phone, turn off the TV, and actually engage with your kids. Time is the most valuable thing you can give them," Jim continued. "Show affection: Hugs, high-fives, a pat on the back - physical affection is important, especially for daughters. Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable: Let your kids see that you’re not perfect, that you make mistakes, and that it’s okay to ask for help. Learn to cook something other than toast: Seriously, your kids will appreciate it."