“Saturdays are my only day with him. I try to keep him away...

“Saturdays are my only day with him.  I try to keep him away from the TV, and do little things that he might not do with his mother.  We’ve got a kite in the bag that we’re going to try in a few minutes.  His mum and I get on fine.  Some parents stick it out for the sake of the child, but we wanted to have happy lives as well.  And we both keep his best interests in heart.  With so little time together, I was worried at first about getting through to him.  Even though he’d say ‘Daddy’ a lot, I wasn’t really sure if he knew what that word meant or if he recognized a deeper connection.  If they were ever on holiday, or we spent an odd weekend apart, I’d definitely feel a distance when we reunited.  But now that he’s a little older, it’s more of an emotional connection.  He kisses and hugs me all the time.  I’m more sure of the bond.  I just want it to sink in that I’m someone who’s always there and will always support him.  I’m not just a Saturday playmate.”
(London, England)