Home > Parenting > Child > Parenting 19 December 2003 5 pointers for single dads When you're a single dad the truth is that whether you have full or partial custody of your kids, you’ll have less time with them than two-parent families. 0 Pin It TALK Parenting forum » ASK The Paediatrician » Follow Health24 on Facebook » Quiz Are you ready for a baby? » Cancer in SA children Girls: Head circumference and weight 0-2 yrs The basic principles remain the same for married dads as for single ones, with one major difference. Whether you have full or partial custody of your kids, you’ll have less time with them than two-parent families. Learn positive reinforcement: Make a promise yourself to compensate every negative comment with five positive ones. More than anyone, you have the ability to shape your kids’ view of themselves; Harness technology: Your kids are likely to be at least as internet-savvy as you. You can use e-mail or SMS, as well as sending them cards, tapes, or photo albums you compile of the times you’re able to spend together; Get help: Don’t be afraid to ask relatives to lend a hand where appropriate. If you’re tired and overworked, you might be better off taking a break and leaving the kids with granny for an hour while you go for a run; Keep your promises: Whatever their age, kids know what commitment is. One broken promise will break down all the credibility built by five kept ones. Your kids need to be able to count on you; Watch your mouth: Never say anything bad about their mother and never let them overhear you doing so; Spend time face-to-face: Make a point of spending time with each child individually. This needn’t be seem like counseling: you can go fishing, cycling, hiking or walking. It’ll do more to create strong bonds than any time spent participating in child-centred group activities. One rule – no TV; Learn to listen, show them how: Help your kids to learn to express their feelings in acceptable ways, such as: “I can understand why you’re upset. You’re allowed to talk about it, but not to hurt someone or break something because you’re feeling cross”. The best way to do this is to have self-control. You should set parameters and an example. More in Parenting All about autism More: ChildParenting advertisement Get a quote Momentum - save up to 35% on healthcare Medihelp - quality, affordable medical scheme cover advertisement Read Health24’s Comments Policy Comment on this story 0 comments Add your comment Thank you, your comment has been submitted. Logout Comment 0 characters remaining Share on Facebook Logout Comment 0 characters remaining Share on Facebook Loading comments... From our sponsors Keep your family healthy this winter Don’t be taken by surprise this winter. Keep your defences up with Vital Hop, skip and jump through winter with Hill’s Pet Nutrition Age-related bone loss is higher in women Live healthier Sleep well » Snoring Insomnia Sleep deprived? Create bedroom harmony Follow these tips for a peaceful retreat. Keep your pet healthy » Strange cat facts Walking the dog Ask the expert Health benefits of owning a pet Here are some surprising benefits of owing a pet.
0 Pin It TALK Parenting forum » ASK The Paediatrician » Follow Health24 on Facebook » Quiz Are you ready for a baby? » Cancer in SA children Girls: Head circumference and weight 0-2 yrs The basic principles remain the same for married dads as for single ones, with one major difference. Whether you have full or partial custody of your kids, you’ll have less time with them than two-parent families. Learn positive reinforcement: Make a promise yourself to compensate every negative comment with five positive ones. More than anyone, you have the ability to shape your kids’ view of themselves; Harness technology: Your kids are likely to be at least as internet-savvy as you. You can use e-mail or SMS, as well as sending them cards, tapes, or photo albums you compile of the times you’re able to spend together; Get help: Don’t be afraid to ask relatives to lend a hand where appropriate. If you’re tired and overworked, you might be better off taking a break and leaving the kids with granny for an hour while you go for a run; Keep your promises: Whatever their age, kids know what commitment is. One broken promise will break down all the credibility built by five kept ones. Your kids need to be able to count on you; Watch your mouth: Never say anything bad about their mother and never let them overhear you doing so; Spend time face-to-face: Make a point of spending time with each child individually. This needn’t be seem like counseling: you can go fishing, cycling, hiking or walking. It’ll do more to create strong bonds than any time spent participating in child-centred group activities. One rule – no TV; Learn to listen, show them how: Help your kids to learn to express their feelings in acceptable ways, such as: “I can understand why you’re upset. You’re allowed to talk about it, but not to hurt someone or break something because you’re feeling cross”. The best way to do this is to have self-control. You should set parameters and an example. More in Parenting All about autism More: ChildParenting