Parenting as a single father is a very tough job. It goes beyond a 9 to 5 job. It is more than a full time job.  As a single father, you act as both dad and mom to your children. Of course, that is a tough title to hold. This new position can be very demanding especially if you have just gone through a harrowing divorce or you just lost your beloved wife. Whatever your position, you ‘re not alone. In this article, I will be sharing with you how you can cope with parental responsibilities as a single father.

One major difficulty of being a single father is that there is no longer a shared responsibility. You can no longer share the responsibility of caring for your children with your ex-wife. The times have changed and It is important to take the bull by the horns at this time. You’re now the sole provider of your children’s needs and as such, there is no room for failure. This is not to scare you but it is to lay bare the stakes so that you can rise to your responsibilities. This said, here are some tips that can help you cope as a single father.

• Prioritize your Children’s well-being 

There is no gainsaying that caring for children is a mutual effort of both the father and the mother. However, when life happens and the wife is out of the picture whether through death or by divorce, there is a need to improvise as a man. As a single father, you must prioritize the physical, emotional and educational well-being of your children. The sanity and well-being of your children should top the list of your priorities. Even if there are relatives around you, the care of your children should not be passed on to them. Their presence in the lives of your children can both be negative and positive. This is the reason why you should not entirely abandon your children to their care. Your children need you more than ever.

• Create a balance 

Being a single father will require you to double your earning capability because your children must not lack your parental care and presence. I know you need to work in order to earn. However, your work must not take your time away from your children. Neither should spending time with your children encroach on your productivity at work especially if you’re an employee. Ensure to strike a balance.

• Befriend your children

Children have a mind of their own and they have a way of communicating their pleasures and displeasures. As a single father, you need to develop keen observation of your children. You don’t need to appear to be monitoring them. If you do this, they may hide things from you. Make yourself available to listen to both their spoken or unspoken needs. While this may seem difficult, it is achievable when put into action. It is one of the coping strategies you need and must develop.

• Build a support network 

The bottom line of being a single father is that you cannot do it alone. You need a support network. Part of your support network are your family members—people who love and care about you. You can also learn about navigating this novel path with people who have been successful single dads. Taking lessons and tips that will help you become a better dad  from them is not a bad idea. 

• Avoid speaking ill of your ex-wife

Speaking ill of your ex-wife to your children isn’t a very wise thing to do. Doing this will create a jaundiced mindset in your sons about women. Likewise, your daughters may see their being female as a disadvantage. You wouldn’t want to create that mindset for them. Remember, when  divorce happens, each party has a share in the blame leading to the separation.

Navigating through the path of a single fatherhood is not a walk in the park. It is like an endurance trek. The goal of which is to see that your children turn out right in the future. Therefore, every tip shared in this article should be adopted and seen as an effort to help you succeed as a single father. 

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