Question:
Do you think I'm a bad father and husband?
2011-12-13 19:12:35 UTC
Everything seems to be falling apart. I have made mistakes in my life. I'm married to a wonderful woman and have a son by her. I also have fathered three boys by three other women. There are times I break down from the pressure. I feel like a total loser who can only small jobs after the military. My wife is the sweetest person I have ever known in my life and she has been through all my up's and downs in my life. My sons call her mom or mother despite her them having their own moms. My family tells me I shouldn't give up and strive to be the best to make money for all of us. I feel so depressed. What can I do to better my life? Please help me.
Eleven answers:
Mama Mia
2011-12-13 19:37:48 UTC
Lasting success in life is measured not by the money you make, but by the love and memories you create and nurture.

You have made some pretty serious mistakes by having 3 children with 3 different women. However, you have settled down, are in your children's lives and have a good woman who thinks you are a keeper.

Take your GI benefits and go to school part time to better your lot in life. Education is always the key and will prove to your boys that education is important, and that you are goal oriented. It will also show them that you can set a goal and work towards achieving it. That example alone will improve your parenting, your marriage and the respect that you have for yourself.

Everyone is depressed these days, but depression and feeling sorry for yourself only allows you to stagnate and is a poor excuse for doing nothing with your life. Consult the guidance office at the nearest junior college and the veterans benifits that you will qualify for . Take your DD214 with you. You have time to register for Spring classes if you take that first step in the morning. Now do it.
?
2011-12-13 19:26:58 UTC
Realization of your situation and taking responsibility is the first step. Since you can't change what is already done just focus on being a better man. It sounds like you have made positive changes in your life. Some times you just have to take it one day at a time. Don't overwhelm yourself with the future. Your true stress here seems to be financial. Can you or do you want to go back in the military? Have you tried VA services for job assistance? There is a big push right now to hire prior military. Did you qualify for the GI BILL? The post 911 bill also pays for trade or vocational schools, perhaps you could explore this (try a different profession). If you do qualify for the Post 911 GI Bill it will not only pay for your school but provide you BAH and money for books and supplies each month. The BAH is E5 pay with dependents. To apply for this benefit google VONAPP and submit your application. Anyways, don't give up hope. It is a wonderful time of year, just make it happy for your kids and wife. Don't give up on yourself, and never forget your boys need you.
2011-12-13 19:27:53 UTC
you have a wonderful wife who treats you and your three other children so well they call he mum....you are more blessed than many.



fathering three other kids by three other women is in no way ideal. it is also indicative of a habit of not learning from past mistakes or irrisponsibility.



but that was then and this was now.



she marrieds you knowing your past so if you treat her well and are doing everything you can to provide the best you can...how can you be a bad husband? all we can do is our best.



obviously money is tight and the main focus/cause of this stress/depression. you can be dirt poor and still make her smile. you can be dirt poor and still make her feel like she is the most amazing person in the world.



and coming from a woman that has been dirt poor, with kids to look after......if you make her smile and feel special, regardless of your bank account....she can handle it. being broke is so much easier,



if she feels appreciated, and not taken for granted....she wont care that you are struggling....as long as you are trying.



p.s get a vasectomy:)



your kids just need the essentials and to feel love and support. it doesn't cost money too kick a football round with them. it doesn't cost money to read or take them fishing.



not only is that sh*T all free....that what they need and want more than anything material...



that's the stuff that they will remember and be thankful for throughout their life.



stop being so hard on yourself. i remember being so poor neither of had a pot to p*ss in. we were bloody happy though, we had a good marriage and had more fun than most people we knew...it'll get better, just keep your sense of humour and don't forget to appreciate and enjoy the things that count. and thankfully all those things are FREE
bunnyONE
2011-12-13 19:25:01 UTC
The mere fact you chose to bare your heart and soul right here in a "nutshell" tells me you understand past mistakes, appreciate what you have in the present, and desire to do better in the future. But let me reassure you, it isn't always about money...it's about being present, attentive, caring, compassionate, engaged and loving...Money is always "tight" everywhere...but the qualities I mention? Priceless.



I am a widow who misses her guy every minute of my life...a single rose, a walk on the beach, a hug when needed, hearing him tell me he loved me so much...was all I ever truly wanted or needed and I got it. Your wife will be rich beyond measure if you give her these "gifts". I promise...



Please take that depression away by doing the basics of life, it's so simple really honey...Just be a good person; love her and show her you care...and? -Be there for those children...



Grace
arai
2016-11-13 04:31:18 UTC
In my adventure, men who by no skill had a father tend to be slightly extra emotional and delicate. it quite is powerful on occasion yet undesirable at different situations. i think of unquestionably everyone desires a father of their existence, no remember how stable or undesirable he's. yet of direction no longer unquestionably everyone gets that and individuals are nevertheless ok without a dad. As for raising a guy to be a stable husband - having a stable dad unquestionably helps coach a guy to be a stable husband, yet returned, many men develop as much as be great husbands while not having a stable occasion.
2011-12-13 19:22:53 UTC
i know how you feel but no your not a bad father or husband because first of all you are not giving up on your family you keep trying which is the best you can do dont stop trying you will get somewhere just have faith that theres a good job out there somewhere that is soon going to be yours just dont give up on you or your family and keep working hard which will get you far !
Shines
2011-12-13 19:27:45 UTC
Go make an appointment with your VA hospital's mental health department. You sound depressed, but I am no expert. The visit should be free for you. In the meanwhile, do you have a spiritual life? Pray for your God to strengthen and guide you.
Juicy
2011-12-13 19:25:32 UTC
fact is these are hard times for everyone. one thing living hard times does is it forces us to focus on what's most important. you have a sweet wife, and you recognize that, and children who you are taking care of. i know that sometimes even out of shear love we want to give our family everything life has to offer, but nothing can replace love. let these times cause you and your wife to be creative about the memories you create with your children. i have fond memories of the sunday drives my parents used to take us on. i had no idea they did not have money and just wanted to do something special for us they could afford. another thing you may want to consider is reaching deep down inside of yourself to discover what talents and gifts you can pursuit. sometimes there are treasures hidden in our talents and gifts. it is in the valley that many things about us is revealed. be of good courage and let this time encourage rather than discourage you. one day you will look back and tell your children and children's children how you overcame. keep your chin up kiddo
Linds
2011-12-13 19:17:14 UTC
I know times are hard and that is probably what is influencing part of your mood right now. But your family loves you and thinks the world of you. They are who matters. Be glad for what you have and that you are able to provide for them.



If you are still down maybe talking to someone will help you.
2011-12-13 19:34:52 UTC
Yes you are. You have 4 kids with 4 women what kind of roll model could you possibly be for them.
2011-12-13 19:21:40 UTC
Do the best you can do. Provide the most that you can. You will feel like a man again!


This content was originally posted on Y! Answers, a Q&A website that shut down in 2021.
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