My girlfriend of 14 years and I are having alot of issues. One of the major ones is that she says I haven't been there for the kids. When we met they were 10 for the daughter and 12 and 13 for the boys.
They are now 23, 26 and 27. On fathers day I didn't get a card or any even acknowledgement. My long time girlfriend says that the kids don't feel like I am there for them. I guess she's right. We have been living together since 2005. I always helped support them and were there if they needed help with homework and for the daughter learning to drive.
There biological father was in the picture at first and has now abandoned them for the past 2 or 3 years.
I always felt like I was more of a buddy than a wise sage or disciplinarian. Me and her fight quite often, where she yells and to be honest I don't deescalate very well. We are both in counseling.
What is the mark of a good parent? I really feel like I failed, especially in her eyes.
They are now 23, 26 and 27. On fathers day I didn't get a card or any even acknowledgement. My long time girlfriend says that the kids don't feel like I am there for them. I guess she's right. We have been living together since 2005. I always helped support them and were there if they needed help with homework and for the daughter learning to drive.
There biological father was in the picture at first and has now abandoned them for the past 2 or 3 years.
I always felt like I was more of a buddy than a wise sage or disciplinarian. Me and her fight quite often, where she yells and to be honest I don't deescalate very well. We are both in counseling.
What is the mark of a good parent? I really feel like I failed, especially in her eyes.