TJsDad

Just an American dad who has been denied his right to see his son TJ. Advocate for #JointCustody and those suffering #ParentalAlienation.

[TJsDad @TJneedsDad]

This is one of my favourite photos of TJ and me.

When this picture was taken, I wasn't thinking about court cases, parental alienation, or years of separation.

I was simply a father holding his baby boy.

Like every father, I spent a lot of time wondering about the future.
What would make him laugh?
What hobbies would he enjoy?
What kind of person would he become?

I imagined being there for all of it.
The first day of school.
After-school activities.
Weekend adventures.
Helping with homework.
Teaching him how to drive.
Sharing life lessons.

The countless ordinary moments that build a father-son bond over a lifetime.

I never imagined that one day I would be forced to watch so much of that from a distance.

But this photo reminds me of something important.

A father's love does not disappear because of distance.
It does not disappear because of time.
And it does not disappear because life becomes difficult.

To every father who is separated from a child he loves:
Don't give up.
Keep showing up in whatever ways you can.
Keep fighting for your child.
Keep supporting them.
Keep loving them.

One day, your child will be old enough to ask questions and form their own understanding.
They will see who cared.
They will see who stayed committed.
They will see who never stopped trying.

At the end of the day, our children are what matter most.

TJ, I may have missed years that I can never get back, but I will never stop being your father.

And I will never stop hoping for the day we can make new memories together.

#ParentalAlienation #ChildrenNeedBothParents #Fatherhood #FatherAndSon #ParentChildBond #MissingMySon #FamilySeparation #NeverGiveUp

[TJsDad @TJneedsDad]

June has always felt like a month of anticipation.

In Japan, the rainy season arrives. Hydrangeas begin to bloom. Schools settle into their routines. Families start looking ahead to summer vacations, festivals, and all the memories still waiting to be made.

Growing up in America, June often felt like the beginning of summer.
School was ending.
Pools were opening.
Families were planning road trips and vacations.

In Japan, June feels a little different.
Summer hasn't arrived yet, but you can feel it getting closer.

Parents start thinking about summer festivals.
Weekend outings, School events, Family trips...
The things they want to experience together before another year passes by.

As a parent, those are the things I think about too.

What hobbies would TJ be interested in now?
Would he want to visit an aquarium?
Go to a baseball game?
Spend an afternoon catching insects in the park?
What new memories would we be planning together this summer?
June is a reminder that childhood never stands still.
Every season brings new interests, new experiences, and new opportunities to grow.

My hope is that one day I'll be able to share those experiences with TJ instead of wondering about them from a distance.

Until then, I'll keep looking forward to the future and working toward the day when we can make those memories together.

#ParentalAlienation #FatherAndSon #ChildrenNeedBothParents #Japan #HydrangeaSeason #FamilyTime #MissingMySon

[TJsDad @TJneedsDad]

Somewhere in another life,
the morning begins before sunrise.
I hear small footsteps across the floor.
A sleepy voice asking for five more minutes.
Backpacks by the door.
Breakfast still too hot to eat.

“Come on TJ, we’re going to be late.”
The drive to school filled with music, random questions, and little conversations that mean everything.
At the school gate,
I watch him run ahead,
then turn around one last time just to make sure I’m still there.
Afternoons are after school activities, summer air, cheering from the side-lines, and stopping by the convenience store on the way home.

Evenings are dinner together, stories about the day, homework complaints, cartoons in the background, and laughing over small things.

Then bedtime.

One last hug before sleep.
Nothing perfect.
Nothing extraordinary.
Just a father and son growing through life together one ordinary day at a time.

This is how I imagine my life with TJ.

Not a fantasy.
Not something impossible.

Just the simple everyday life that should have been, and still could be, if I were allowed to be his father in the ways that truly matter.

I still hold onto hope that one day, these ordinary moments will become our real life again.

#ParentalAlienation #ChildrenNeedBothParents #MissingMySon #FatherAndSon #ParentChildBond #JapanFamilyCourt #FamilySeparation #InternationalParents #Japan

[TJsDad @TJneedsDad]

Yuka,🌷

Mother’s Day has just passed, and I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge everything you do for TJ.

Thank you for caring for him each day.

Thank you for helping him through the routines of childhood, supporting his growth, and being there for the countless ordinary moments that shape who he is becoming.

Thank you for protecting him, guiding him, and giving him the love and attention every child needs.

I know parenting is not easy. It requires patience, sacrifice, and constant dedication.

TJ is growing into a bright and wonderful boy, and that reflects the effort and care you put into raising him.

As parents, we may have our differences, but one thing I believe we both share is a deep love for our son and a desire to see him safe, healthy, and happy.

I hope that, in time, we can set aside our differences and work together so TJ can benefit from the love and support of both of his parents.

Childhood passes quickly.

The more love, encouragement, and stability we can provide him, the stronger his foundation will be.

Thank you for everything you do for TJ.

And happy belated Mother’s Day.

#MothersDay
#ThankYouMom
#ChildFirst
#CoParenting
#ParentChildBond
#FamilyLove
#ForTheChildren
#InternationalFamily
#FamilySupport
#AlwaysYourParent

[TJsDad @TJneedsDad]

What Keeps a Child Safe?

I've been thinking about this question a lot recently.
With news of various incidents across the world, and ever growing global tensions, from the viewpoint of a parent, I can't help but feel worried for my child's safety.

Recent data in Japan shows increasing concern around children’s safety.
With rising reports of bullying and school-related stress, record levels of child abuse cases handled by authorities and around 530 child suicides recorded in 2025. It seems my fears are not unfounded.

These are not isolated issues. They reflect the environments children are growing up in.
Safety for a child is not only physical.
It is also feeling supported, feeling heard, and knowing there is someone consistently there for them.

Research continues to show that strong parental presence plays a key role in a child’s sense of security and long-term development.
Protection is not only about preventing harm.
It is about building a foundation where a child feels safe enough to grow.

Every child deserves that.

And I hope from the bottom of my heart, that parents who are separated will put their differences aside and work together for their child's best interests.
Because if we cannot be their "safe space" in this world, then where can they turn to in times of need.

#ChildSafety
#ProtectOurChildren
#ParentChildBond
#ChildFirst
#FamilySupport
#ParentingMatters
#SafeEnvironment
#Fatherhood
#ForTheChildren
#AlwaysYourParent

[TJsDad @TJneedsDad]

Current data in Japan shows:

• ~1 in 3 children lose contact with a non-residential parent

• ~30% of non-custodial fathers maintain consistent involvement

• Parenting outcomes have historically been uneven
Research consistently shows that children benefit from having both parents involved, when safe and appropriate.
The key question is not legal structure alone.

It is what supports a child’s development, stability, and sense of identity.

That should remain the focus.

#ChildFirst
#CoParenting
#ParentChildBond
#FamilyMatters
#Fatherhood
#InternationalFamily
#ParentingMatters
#FamilyConnection
#ForTheChildren
#AlwaysYourParent

[TJsDad @TJneedsDad]

It's Sakura Season 🌸

This time of year always makes me stop and think.

The past months have not been easy. There have been challenges, uncertainty, and moments where things felt out of my control.

But even through that, one thing has remained constant.
I have not given up.

I continue to move forward, step by step, holding onto what matters most.

As the sakura begin to bloom across Japan, it is a reminder that change comes, even after difficult seasons 🌱

TJ,

Spring wind softly blows
Petals fall, yet love remains
Always reaching you

#Fatherhood
#SakuraSeason
#CherryBlossom
#ParentChildBond
#FamilyLove
#DadLife
#JapanSpring
#LoveYourChild
#FamilyConnection
#AlwaysYourParent

Video by Frank Litschel

[TJsDad @TJneedsDad]

Being a Parent Should Not Depend on Marriage or Relationship status

In Japan, there is growing discussion about how children can stay connected to both parents.

For a long time, systems have made it difficult for some parents to remain part of their child’s life, especially when the parents were never married.

But being a parent is not defined by a legal status or nationality.

It is defined by the care you give, the responsibility you take on when becoming a parent, and by the unconditional love that every child deserves.

More voices are speaking about the importance of co-parenting and the role both parents play in a child’s life, and I still stand strong as an advocate for parents who are trying their best despite the challenges forced upon them outside of their control.

Because a child does not stop needing a parent just because the situation is complicated.

Every child deserves the chance to know both parents. To feel supported from both sides.

And every parent should have the opportunity to be there.

Neither parent should be allowed to force the other out of their child's life just because of selfish reasons.
Because at the end of the day, it is not being a good parent, it is being selfish.
Ego has no place in parenting.

#Fatherhood
#ParentChildBond
#CoParenting
#FamilyLove
#ParentsOfInstagram
#InternationalFamily
#FathersRights
#ChildFirst
#FamilyConnection
#alwaysyourparent
#familymatters
#familylawadvice
#japanesefamily
#multiculturalidad
#multinationalfamily

[TJsDad @TJneedsDad]

TJ,

As a new school year begins, I hope you step into it with confidence and curiosity.

I hope you find good friends, discover new things you enjoy, and feel proud of yourself for trying your best.

Every year is a new chance to grow.

No matter where you are, I am always thinking of you and wishing you the very best.

I hope this year brings you happiness and great memories.

You will always have someone cheering you on.

Love,
Dad

#Fatherhood
#ParentChildBond
#NewSchoolYear
#BackToSchool
#FamilyLove
#ParentsMatter
#DadLife
#LoveYourChild
#ProudParent
#AlwaysYourParent
#custody
#coparenting
#familylaw
#parentalalienation

[TJsDad @TJneedsDad]

TJ,

No matter how many miles stand between us, you are never far from my heart.

I think about you every day and pray for your safety, your happiness, and your future.

I hope you laugh often.
I hope you feel loved.
I hope you know someone in this world is always cheering for you.
As the seasons pass and you grow older, I hope you remember the time we shared.
My love for you will never fade, no matter the distance or obstacles.

I will never stop trying to see you again, and I will always do everything I can to be part of your life.

No matter how much time passes, I will always be your dad.

And I will always love you.

#Fatherhood
#parentchildbond
#coparentingstruggles
#LoveAcrossDistance
#FamilyLove
#ParentsOfInstagram
#DadLife
#NeverGiveUp
#LoveYourChild
#FamilyConnection
#coparenting
#AlwaysYourParent
#internationalfamily

[TJsDad @TJneedsDad]

This time of year marks endings and beginnings. Graduations, new classrooms, new steps forward.

For parents, every milestone is bittersweet. Pride and longing can exist at the same time.

Children grow forward.
Parents love endlessly.
No matter how far life takes them, the bond between parent and child remains part of who they are becoming.

Spring is a reminder that love continues to grow.

TJ, wishing you all the best, my love, and longing from afar.

#SpringInJapan
#Parenthood
#FamilyMatters
#GrowingTogether
#ParentsSupport
#FatherhoodJourney
#ChildhoodLove
#FamilyConnection
#NewSeason
#AlwaysYourParent

[TJsDad @TJneedsDad]

TJ, I keep a chair angled toward the door.
 It’s a small thing, like the first step we need.
 I’ll follow any rule put in place.
 Please allow that first step to be taken.

​​​​​#YukaKutsukake #AndrewTucker #TJ #parentalalienation #YuKaren

[TJsDad @TJneedsDad]

I mark no dates, I plan no celebrations.
 I only plan to show up with respect.
 TJ, the rest can be decided on the spot.
 Yuka, may we set one steady time?

​​​​​#YukaKutsukake #AndrewTucker #TJ #parentalalienation #YuKaren

[TJsDad @TJneedsDad]

TJ, my pockets hold small stories I saved for you.
 They’re better told face to face.
 I’m not here to fight for noise—I’m here for moments.
 Please let me see my son and hand them over.

​​​​​#YukaKutsukake #AndrewTucker #TJ #parentalalienation #YuKaren

[TJsDad @TJneedsDad]

A window glows at dusk; I keep it lit for you, TJ.
 Light is patient, but childhood isn’t.
 Let’s share even a small patch of it together.
 Yuka, a brief visit would carry more care than silence.

​​​​​#YukaKutsukake #AndrewTucker #TJ #parentalalienation #YuKaren

[TJsDad @TJneedsDad]

TJ, I’ve been practicing listening more than speaking.
 The first words I want are yours.
 I can meet anywhere that feels safe to you all.
 Please allow that simple beginning.

​​​​​#YukaKutsukake #AndrewTucker #TJ #parentalalienation #YuKaren

[TJsDad @TJneedsDad]

@sanyamamoru 一緒に再会を目指して頑張りましょう！

[TJsDad @TJneedsDad]

While I was silent for so long, TJ has turned 8 and a half.
It is really painful to watch him grow up without being able to see him.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

​​​​​​#andrewjamestucker #yukatucker #tjsdaddy #JointCustody #abusehasnogender #YukaKutsukake #AndrewTucker #TJ #parentalalienation #solecustody #TomuKutsukake #YuKaren

[sanyamamoru @sanyamamoru]

@TJneedsDad I am also being prevented from seeing my daughter by my wife.

[TJsDad @TJneedsDad]

I laid a path of calm from my steps to yours, TJ.
 No banners, no noise—just an open afternoon.
 Let’s place one hour on the table and protect it.
 Yuka, help me make that hour real for him.

​​​​​#YukaKutsukake #AndrewTucker #TJ #parentalalienation #YuKaren

[TJsDad @TJneedsDad]

TJ, the hallway keeps a hush with your name in it.
 I keep the door gentle, never banging hope against it.
 If there’s a way, I’ll walk it with quiet feet.
 Please let me meet the boy I never stopped being father to.