DadTalk

Daddy Guilt

“Can we have some Daddy and Jasper Time today?” is a phrase that chills me to the bone, and yet brings me deep joy all at the same time.

I feel excited that my six-year-old wants to spend time with me and prioritises it over TV or his DS. I love the fact that he enjoys my company and simply enjoys having undivided time with me.

Yet my first response upon hearing these beautiful words is guilt. When Jasper asks his question, this is what I hear: "Hey, you never spend time with me. Don't you love me?"

This Saturday afternoon, Mum and little brother went out, and so Jasper and I had Jasper and Daddy Time playing a rousing game of Disney Trivial Pursuit . It was the highlight of my weekend. 45 minutes of dice rolling, questions ranging from classic Mickey to modern-day pirates. We talked, we laughed, and we had a whole lot of fun.

I think I feel the guilt because I spend too much time comparing myself to other dads, and in doing so have fallen into that trap that says they all do a better job than me. As I watched my six-year-old trash me with his Disney knowledge (I'm currently hoping for some sort of degree course in Disney films in about 12 years time!), I realised that Jasper enjoys being with me and his question is simply the cry of a son wanting time with Papa.

So, I need to find some more Daddy and Jasper Time games. Do you think six is too young to learn poker?