Parents should acknowledge important milestones in a child's life.
Fred's son recently graduated from college and invites Fred to attend his graduation.
Fred wants to respond to the invitation.
Fred accepts the invitation and clears out his schedule to attend his son's graduation.
Fred ignores the invitation and never shows up at his son's graduation.
Fred's relationship with his son improves, and he gets to watch his son become successful.
Fred's son views Fred as uncaring and starts to distance himself from Fred.