Inspiring, but the film's message is flawed

Rating: 7/10 (16 February 2007)

I was made to this film by my girlfriend. She didn't really have to persuade me hard, the truth be told, as I probably would have watched it on the movie channel when it came on there.
I thought this was a good film. Will Smith really has come a long way since his fresh prince days and is throughly watchable. The underlying message of the film is too reach for your goals, too never give up and that if you really want something and really try for it, and give it your all, then you will get it.
Good film, good message. It makes sense to me. Its inspiring and I hope its something that encourages people to really go for something rather than settling for second best.
My only problem is this. Will Smith had a son. He had a responsibility to his son and appeared to be a good father in the film that would do anything for him and so was prepared to sacrifice everything for him, including living in a homeless shelter. I cannot understand, if this story is indeed true, how any father can risk everything including his son for the sake of his dreams? Surely he could have left his son with his wife whilst doing the unpaid internship and if everything succeeded as it did then he could get his family back. I just fail to see how the message of risk everything can be a good one when you have responsibilities to your children. One should never put one's own ambitions above the need's of one's family.
Or did I miss something?