Single fathers, like other parents who are responsible for their children’s needs on their own, are a force to be reckoned with. While your days may be jam-packed with professional meetings and punctuated by diaper changes and baby feedings, your heart will be overflowing. However, as exciting as motherhood is, you may be fatigued by your new schedule while still wanting to do the best you can for your child. So, here are a few pointers to help single dads who are having trouble parenting their children.

• Always pay attention to your children’s stories

Children tend to talk nonstop throughout the day, making it difficult to listen to idle conversation. However, listening to them talk about their day is a great method to learn about stuff they don’t want you to know. You need to be aware of their sentiments so you can assist validate them, whether it was a fight with a classmate, jealousy because their closest buddy has a nicer item or even poor grades. This is the key to assisting them in better regulating unpleasant emotions.

• Start daily rituals together

Many children believe that since you are a working parent, they do not receive enough attention from you. It’s normal for your ward to want more time with you, so set up an hour or two each day for a regular ritual with them to avoid them feeling overlooked. They would look forward to this time spent with you since they have your complete attention, whether it is shining their shoes as you iron their school uniform or them reading the newspaper to you.

• Never use your kids to exact revenge on their mum

This is especially true when the father and the children’s mother are estranged. Children must understand that both of their parents love them and that they have an equal role in their lives. So, if you and your wife are divorced or separated, make sure you don’t criticise your ex-parenting wife’s abilities in front of your kids. This isn’t something they should be aware of. You must also refrain from discussing her love life with your children, and you must never use them as a means of retaliation against your ex.

As a single father, you may encounter situations in which your child inquires about their mother. Whether you feel they had or have a good mother or a horrible mother, remember that projecting a positive picture of her will not hurt your children’s love for you.