They reach for her.

They listen to her.

They open up to her.

And you — the dad — feel like an outsider in your own family.

You want to be close.

But they’ve chosen their person.

And it’s not you.

That’s a quiet kind of pain.

But hear me: you are still important.

Even if you’re not the favorite.

Even if they run to mom first.

Even if you’re the backup plan.

You are still the anchor.

Still the protector.

Still the example of steadiness.

Keep showing up.

Your presence plants seeds — even when it doesn’t feel like it.