How do you explain long work hours to your kids?

H

Apr 221 min read

I work in construction management and sometimes I'm on site 10-12 hours a day. My oldest is starting to notice I miss his games and activities. I try to explain that daddy has to work hard to pay for the house and his school but I don't think he really gets it. Last week he asked if he was doing something wrong that made me have to work so much. That hit different. Anyone figured out how to balance this better?

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3 comments91 views

Comments(3)

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LLucas M.RegularApr 22

Construction hours are brutal. We had a similar talk with my oldest when I was doing a big project. I explained that some jobs require longer days and that it doesn't mean I love being away from him. He seemed to get it.

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BBrandonNew DadApr 22

The 10-12 hour days are going to be part of the conversation whether you bring them up first or not. Might as well explain it in your own words before he asks why you're never home.

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KKevinRegularApr 22

Kids that age are starting to understand work means money for the family. We framed it as 'dad works hard so we can do fun stuff together' and somehow that clicked for ours.

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