REBEL- Good job. You are a great dad. I've always felt like you do that it's important to tell our wives and children that we love them before going to bed each night and to never take it for granted. I had a strict JW father who is now almost 91 years old who NEVER , and I mean NEVER told me that he loved me. Not once. My mom is total opposite, always told me she loved me so she made up for it.
But my dad came from a broken home he experienced with his own dad leaving when he was 13 years old - so who knows what issues he was dealing with ? so you are right- we as adults try to take that stuff into consideration when moving on in life. But I promised myself that my relationship with my own son would be much tighter and closer than me and my dad's. And it is ! My son is one of my best friends and we are very close. And we tell each other we love each other too. A big difference in what I experienced with my own dad. I think many of us try to make up for what we didn't have in relationships as we grow older. Keep on keeping on buddy- you are doing great ! I'm happy for you and your little family