We have asked that very question to over 21,000 dads who have attended our seminars. Their responses are quite revealing.

In some ways, it all comes down to two top reasons expressed in two short words: TIME and ME. You can see the details of the responses below.

THE TOP 10 OBSTACLES

#1 -Time
finding time
using time wisely/quality time
busyness, both kids’ and parents’
hard to find time for each child individually
not a good time manager

#2 - Work/family balance
work vs. home life
pressures to provide for family, money
my own career and economic dreams and hopes
having to travel, be away

#3 - Personal flaws
me, myself
negative disposition
judging
not accepting kids as they are / forgiving
tough to give unconditional love and attention
difficulty in being real/showing emotions to kids
own personality faults that need overcoming
hard to deny self
too critical
being real

#4 - Impatience

#5 - Poor Communication
communicating effectively with family members
getting close to children
difficulty in sharing true feelings

#6 - Wife
acting with unity/coordinating with
of different religions
divorce from
in general

#7 - Personal faith challenges
poor relationship with God
not being Christ-centered
not knowing the Bible
need more prayer alone/with wife/with whole family together
afraid to share faith
difficult to forgive

#8 - Fear/lack of confidence
of failing
of being inadequate
of various things/general anxiety

#9 - Their dad not a good model
own fathers not provide a good role model to follow

#10 - Selfishness
being selfish in general
wanting time for self (read paper etc)