Are you so focused on your work that you lose touch with your family? Is work your main priority? If so, you are on the road to workaholism and it is just as dangerous as alcoholism and other addictions. Workaholism can take a toll on the important relationships in your life. It can damage your health and mental well being, leaving you stressed and tired. And your children are the ones who suffer the most.

Children of workaholic dads are not as close to their dads as other children. They tend to shy away from and if possible exclude their fathers from their daily lives, simply because their dad is not there when they need him most. A father’s presence at a baseball match or a PTA meeting means a lot to his child and if you choose to skip these in favor of your work, you stand to lose out with your child.

How can you overcome workaholism?

First, get your priorities right. You may justify yourself saying that you love your family and you are working so that you can provide them with the best of everything. But, there is more to being a father than just being a provider. A father has to play the role of friend, caregiver and mentor.

Force yourself to spare time for other activities besides work. A calendar or to-do list will help you in this regard. Write down on the calendar the important events scheduled for a particular day. For instance, your child’s birthday party or his dentists appointment, and take some time off to accompany your family for these events. Work can wait for a while.

Make it a point to spend at least half an hour each day with your children. Ask them about their day and activities and share details of your day with them. You can also spend time engaging in games or helping them with their homework. Children appreciate such gestures. Soon, you will find yourself wishing to spend more time with your children. That is when you know you have your priorities right.

Keep aside weekends exclusively for your spouse and children. Even if you have to work, limit it to Saturday mornings so that the rest of the weekend is dedicated to your family. Go for picnics or outings together.

You may feel like drowning in your work, but you cannot exclude yourself from society, so make sure you spend some time socializing. Get in touch with friends through phone or e-mail. Catch up with friends who live nearby. Friends are just as important as family.

Take care of your health. Spend some time exercising and frame a good diet plan. Working long hours will take its toll on your health. So, set yourself up for a regular physical check-up. Get your blood pressure, sugar and cholesterol levels checked. Your family needs you around for a while, so keep yourself fit and healthy.

If you carry work home, don’t just spend long hours in your home office. Take short breaks. Talk to your children and spouse. This will help clear your head and ease some stress.

Being a dad is a big responsibility and involves much more than just providing for your children. Being there for them is just as important. It is perfectly possible to juggle a good career with children and their demands. Millions of dads all over the world are doing it and so can you.

Jason Ladock

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