It’s not a parent’s job

 It’s not a parent’s job

to build other people’s bond
with their child.

that’s not something i can force.
that’s not something i can fake.
that’s not something i can carry for you.

relationships with children
are built in the small moments.

the showing up.
the checking in.
the being present
even when it’s inconvenient.

you don’t get to skip all of that
and still expect closeness.

you don’t get to be absent
and then question the distance.

because i can open the door…
but i can’t make you walk through it.