Being a Single Dad Can Be Hard | How To Simplify And Save Time

When you’re a single dad, it’s important to structure your life so that your children are your top priority. The younger they are, the more important this is, and it never becomes unimportant.

This divorced dads guide gives you three tips for simplifying your life so that you’ll have the time to spend being a great dad to your kids.

Choose Time Over Money

If money is tight, and you’re thinking about getting a second job, a better option would be to cut back on spending to live within your budget. A second job will mean less time being the dad you want to be. If things are really tight, assistance is available for food, health care and other necessities. Kids don’t need a wealthy dad…they need a dad who is there for them.

If you’ve got a great career and money isn’t a problem, you may face the temptation of investing time and energy in your career rather than the kids. To be a good dad, you may have to make sacrifices that will lower the trajectory of your career. In the long-run, you’ll be glad you did because it’s the right thing for your kids.

Limit Outside Activities

Don’t get too busy away from home. You don’t have to become a home-body, but limit social engagements and other activities if they interfere with your being the dad your kids need. Including them in outside activities can be a way to get out and about and still have time with your children. Network socially with other single parents and include the kids. Find a place of worship with adults your own age and get the kids involved in activities there.

Establish Set Times Together

As your kids enter their teen years, their schedules will begin to get busy. To maintain the kind of relationship you’ve been developing, schedule regular times to be together. These could be having everyone home for dinner certain nights of the week, Sunday afternoons together or weeknight movie and pizza nights once a month. Be flexible in scheduling times together, but make sure it’s enough time for you and your kids to remain close.

If you’re guiding rule as a single dad is to do what your kids need to feel secure and become responsible, successful adults, you’ll make the right decisions along the way.

Please visit our helpful articles for more information on: child visitation, child support, child custody issues, how to get legal advice or answers on your state laws,