I have three boys - now grown. My wife was a great mother - I was an indifferent father. I started way too young - felt overwhelmed and trapped. But despite all that they turned out great and we are close. There is a lot luck in bringing up kids. No one has the manual. There is no garauntee that you and your kids will be compatible. A lot of things are out of your control and you just have to hope for the best - which doesnt always happen

I have a sister who has cut off all contact with her family - none of us knows why. I dont much care but it tears my parents up no end. I would feel the same.

One thing about being a man and having kids. Kids make you vulnerable emotionally and physically in a way that one isnt used to. Men like to feel that they can take care of themselves and suddenly there is this little child and every time he get sick or gets hurt it wounds your heart. It never goes away - you are always going to be attached to them and share their joy and pain. It's great but its hard to be a tough guy