by Michael Pearce

About the author: A freelance writer based in Kansas, Michael Pearce contributes frequently to Outdoor Life, Field and Stream, and other hunting magazines. He is the author of three books about hunting and shooting.

Italked with a boyhood friend a while back, a guy with whom I’d shared bass ponds and bobwhite hunts years ago. As is usual for thirtysomething parents, talk eventually turned to our children.

Spending Time with Kids

Like many parents, he was confused and concerned about his two teenagers. The word coming from school wasn’t good, nor were relationships around the house. “Even when we’re together, we’re not really together,” he said, admitting he was worried about the kids’ lack of commitment, responsibility and respect. He eventually got around...