In Khaled Hosseini's novel, "The Kite Runner," the father/son relationship between Baba and Amir is not always positive. The novel unravels the increasing strength of the relationship between these two key characters and Amir's constant struggle for Baba's attention produces positive results in the relationship. Amir is constantly competing for Baba's attention and often feels like an outsider in his father's life, a seen in the following passage: "He'd close the door, leave me to wonder why it was always grown-ups' time with him. I'd sit by the door, knees drawn to my chest. Sometimes I sat there for an hour, sometimes two, listening to their laughter, their chatter" (pg. 5).
In the beginning, Khaled Hosseini gives the impression that Baba and Amir don't quite connect with each other. With Amir feeling that "Baba hated me a little" (pg. 20), and Baba feeling that Amir is one of those boys "who won't stand up for himself and becomes a man who can't stand up to anything" (pg. 24), it is easier to understand the sketchy relationship between Amir and Baba. Amir is looking for the love, respect and approval of Baba he felt he has never had. However, Baba feels that his son is not living up to his physical, social, religious and cultural expectations. The affection that Amir has for Baba is not mirrored back to him. While living in Afghanistan, Baba also had others things he cared for and they took priority over Amir.
In Afghanistan, Amir and Baba's relationship is difficult, especially having obstacles that can steer the father/son relationship off-course. In Afghanistan, Baba seemed to have many other people to which he could connect, which made it not a first priority to connect with his own son. Also, in Afghanistan, Baba was very busy with his orphanage and many other things which made him preoccupied. Hassan was there which also could have been a barrier for Baba and Amir.