As you know, the stories I write about are from my personal experience. I have a great connection with my kids and it's on purpose. I was invested in them since day 1. And for me, one of the best things I could give them was attention. I didn't always have to say the right things, or do the right things, I just had to be present and attentive. Everyone knows of the motherly connection babies seem to automatically have just from being inside their mother. However, the "fatherly connection" is rarely talked about. I believe that there can exist that similar connection for father, it just takes a stronger effort. Giving your child endless attention is a great path to that connection. For example, I used to watch the most mind-numbing preschool shows with my children. I wasn't half-watching the shows, preoccupied with texting at the same time, or checking my social feed, and I definitely didn't just leave them alone with the TV (okay, sometimes I did, but when Nature calls - ya gotta do, what ya gotta do.) I was IN-VESTED. It wasn't about me enjoying the show, it was about my child enjoying the show and me being a part of that moment. Those moments also gave me lots of useful methods to help me engage with my child. They are likely to enjoy an interaction much more if they relate it to something familiar to them. 

  

So I encourage you to make as much time for them as you can, even if you are just sitting there watching Bob Ross paint, or watching Shaq in the paint, dunking viciously on poor soul. Simple moments can allow for many opportunities for bonding and growth with your child, at the time and in the future.

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You know that Beatles song "All you need is love", well my version would say "All you need is to be attentive" - which I can totally see how that's not as catchy of a lyric. Good luck with your day!