"I'm a fun father, but not a good father. The hard decisions always went to my wife"

John Lithgow's quote talks to the reality of many families, where one parent is most likely to take on the role of disciplinarian. In this case, it appears that Lithgow's partner is the one who makes the hard decisions, while he is the one who is more likely to have a good time with his children. This could be because Lithgow's partner is more comfy with making difficult choices, or because Lithgow is more comfortable with being the enjoyable moms and dad. In any case, it is clear that Lithgow recognizes the value of both functions in parenting, and that his wife is the one who takes on the more difficult tasks. This quote likewise talks to the importance of having a strong partnership in between moms and dads, where each partner has the ability to take on the roles that best fit their strengths. By having a strong partnership, parents can ensure that their kids are getting the very best care possible.