Growing up with an active father teaches you one set of lessons: Growing up without one teaches you another. Whether you grew up with an active father or without one, both experiences teach you something valuable.
Being a father is NOT about being perfect, its about being present and playing a consistent, positive, active role in your children’s lives. 
Below are a few tips to help you become a better father.
1. TAKE ACCOUNTABILITY
Own up to your part in whatever caused the breakdown in the relationship between you and your children.
2. IT WAS NEVER THEIR FAULT
Tell your children that none of this is their fault and that you love them.
3. PRESENCE vs. PRESENTS
Children love to receive presents, but what they really want and need is a consistent Father. Stop trying to buy your children’s love. Eventually they’ll see right though the facade. 
4. PUT THE DAMN PHONE DOWN!
Spend quality time with your children without interruptions and distractions. Your children are more important than Instagram.
5. APOLOGIZE and STAND ON IT!
Lose the fucking pride! Stop overthinking it and just apologize. Don’t worry about the perfect or coolest way to say it. The best way to do it is to keep it simple and say, “I’m sorry.”
A man with a cracked, dry skin appearance on his face and chest, surrounded by four hands administering self-love, respect, and forgiveness through various acts like a makeup brush, a needle, and a spoon, with phrases 'Love myself', 'Respect myself', and 'Forgive myself' written around him.

6. WORK ON YOU and FORGIVE YOURSELF!

You've made mistakes, made bad decisions, and have been knocked down. But you got back up and now is the time to change!  
Thinking about therapy? Go!
Do you deserve better? Yes!
Was it your fault growing up? No!
It’s time to stop the negative talk about yourself and put the work into being the absolute best version of yourself you can be. When you do the work, you win and your children win. 
And believe it or not, WE ALL WIN!