Character Analysis
Moose's dad is a man of few words, either because he's off working (which he does a lot) or because he's keeping his thoughts to himself. We know he loves his family, since he works so hard to support them, but in terms of their daily lives, he's pretty M.I.A.
Moose asks his dad why he let's their mom boss him around. His response is pretty awesome: "'Things matter more to your mother than they do to me […]—except you'" (31.12). Papa F may not care much about the little details of daily life, but he clearly loves his son. So when he notices that his wife has gotten so distracted by Natalie that she's neglected poor Moose, he feels really guilty that one of his kids hasn't been given the love and recognition they need. And he tries to make sure Moose knows he cares. Aw.