A story about giving time to your child This week we would like to publish a short fictional story in the counselor’s corner. A man came home from work late, tired and irritated, to find his 5‐ year old son waiting for him at the door. Son: “Daddy, may I ask you a question?” DAD:”Yeah sure, what is it?” SON: “Daddy, how much money do you make an hour?” DAD: “that’s none of your business. Why do you ask such a thing?” SON: “I just want to know. Please tell me, how much do you make an hour?” DAD: “If you must know, I make 100 dirham an hour”. SON: “Oh! (with his head down). SON: “Daddy, may I please borrow 50 dirham?” The father was furious. DAD: “if the only reason you asked that is so you can borrow some money to buy a silly toy or some other nonsense, then you can march yourself straight to your room and go to the bed. Think about why you are being so selfish. I work hard everyday for such childish behavior?” The little boy sat straight up, smiling. SON: “Oh, thank you daddy!” Then, reaching under his pillow he pulled out some crumpled up bills. The man saw that the boy already had money, and he started to get angry again. The little boy slowly counted out his money, and then looked up at his father. DAD: “why do you want more money if you already have some?” SON: “because I didn’t have enough, but now I do. “Daddy I have 100 dirham now. Can I buy an hour of your time? Please come home early tomorrow. I would like to have a dinner with you.” The father was crushed. He put his arms around his little son, and he begged for his forgiveness….. The message of the story is that receiving time from their parents can be as rewarding for children as receiving food that they enjoy eating, toys or other treats. Spending quality time with their parents can help children to feel happier and more self‐confident, and it can support them to develop good social skills. We realize that parents have many commitments and little time, especially if they are also working and/or have several children to care for. Being a parent is not an easy job. Fathers who work away from RAK may find it particularly difficult to find time to spend with their children. However, as little as half an hour every week spent with one parent who is fully focused on him/her can make a positive difference in a child’s life. In this time, the parent might want to help their child with homework, play, or take part in a sport. With some adjustments to a parent’s routine, it may be possible for them to find a regular time each week to spend some quality time with their child if they do not do so already.