[drbawb]

Agreed. My father didn't help as directly as he could've. But he worked hard, provided a good life, and because of his job all the materials I needed were either readily available or easily borrowed.

Honestly the greatest thing my dad ever did was give me his work phone-number (before e-mail was considered strictly a necessity.) Granted you can't answer for your kid all the time - but demonstrating your willingness to be available goes a long way in the mind of a child.