A diary called My Father, written by a 9-year-old Chinese girl who misses her father whilst he is busy at work, has been shared widely online, prompting discussion about absentee parents.

"Dad, I will grow up quickly if you don't keep me company," writes Duo Duo. Her father in the diary is named as Hu Fei, 41, captain of the Criminal Investigation Team of Haining Public Security Bureau, eastern China's Zhejiang Province.

Speaking to a reporter Duo Duo said, "I know that as a policeman he has an obligation to protect the safety of people across the city. But I hope there can be a better world with less bad people, so that my father is able to spend more time with me and my mom."

Speaking of his daughter's diary, the father says he feels guilty. He can only drive his daughter to and from school two or three times a year because of work. "I'm not a special case. Police across China are all busy at work. Once I have chosen this job I have to spare no pains to do my duty," he remarked.

Hu also stated that he loves his family and will try to seize as much free time as he can to keep his family company.

According to commentators, people across China widely realize the importance of time spent with parents for children's growth. However, many of them are over-occupied with work.

Many fathers believe that they are setting good examples for their children by working hard. However, some mothers state that although they can do most things for their children, the unique characteristics of the father can't be replaced in a child's upbringing.

(Source:Yangtse Evening Post/ Translated and edited by Women of China)

By Wu Haiguang& Chen Qingping& Huang NaEditor: Sherry Song