by Jonathan Davies, Daddilife

While the role of a father has changed dramatically over the past decade, it is still a challenge that is as tough as it is rewarding. Despite the numerous ways in which fatherhood has become easier, progress brings new challenges with it. And so, the life of a single dad has arguably never been more difficult.

There has been significant progress in how society views dads — both partnered and single — but if being the only parent wasn’t hard enough, the modern single dad is also coping with the new pressures and expectations laid upon fathers.

Rest assured, though, we are here to offer support and advice from single dads who have been there, done it, and are still learning. Whether you’re a single father by choice, or it’s the hand you’ve been dealt, we’ve compiled 55 tips, pearls of wisdom, nuggets of advice and information sourced from across the internet.

Life as a Single Dad

Becoming a single father brings with it a whole raft of incredibly significant changes to your life. Being a single dad means being the absolute centre of your child’s life; the pillar that their future rests on.

1. ‘Everyone wears different shoes’

As this dad points out, everyone’s path is different. Other parents will offer advice to you as a single parent — they’re most likely trying to be helpful — but the truth is that they probably don’t truly understand what your life is like, unless they’re single parents themselves.

2. ‘6 going on 16’ 

There’s so much to unpack in Anthony’s post. But you’ll find yourself using your kids’ stuff all the time because it’s convenient. Just make sure they don’t find out… especially if they’re six going on 16!

3. Take time to chill

Nappy changes, school runs, cooking (getting them to actually eat the meal, too!), playtime, naptime, homework, hobbies, clubs, washing clothes, cleaning, and all the rest. It can all feel like there’s too much to do and not enough time. It’s super important to take time to just chill out and spend quality time with your little ones.

4. You’ll notice how things are different from when you were a kid

Back in Claude’s day, there had to be more than a foot of snow for school to be closed. Now there’s a ¼ inch in Maine, and he’s having to drop everything (including work, presumably ) to entertain the kids.

5. You’ll get covered in something green

Everyone knows this, right? It’s inevitable, one way or another.

6. You’ll make them smile with the smallest things

As this single dad highlights, sometimes it’s the smallest of things you do that puts a beaming smile on your child’s face.

7. ‘What more does a man need?’

We live in such a busy world dominated by technology, social media and advertising. But sometimes, all you need is the great outdoors and the people you love.

8. Don’t neglect your own food

When you’ve SO much to do, it’s super easy to not put in the effort when it comes to your own well-being, whether it’s food, exercise or free time for yourself. It’s really important to make some effort in the kitchen, even if it’s just for you. But check out these nachos for one made by a single dad.

9. Social life? What social life?
   
10. ‘Dad mode re-activated’

If you share custody of your child, you’ll want to make the most of your time together. And so activating dad-mode quickly will be a crucial ability in your inventory.

11. Celebrate the little wins

There was a really easy tip in this post about learning to do long hairstyles. But you know what we took from it? Celebrating the little wins when things are so tough will be really important for you as a single father. Kids ate everything on the plate? YES! You rule! They’re finally happy with the hairstyle you did? Great job!

12. Speaking of hair…

You’re going to need to learn some styles for when you have the long-haired little ones.

Here’s the legend that is How to DAD with the advice!

13. Embrace the fun times

Burping is bad manners, right? Something you should definitely discourage, right? Take a leaf out of this dad’s book: take it easy sometimes and embrace the unrivalled joy of kids laughing and enjoying themselves.

14. Don’t expect a moment to yourself

Got things to do? Yep. Need both your hands? Probably. Doesn’t matter, baby wants cuddles.

15. You might miss your old life, but not for long

When times are tough, you might think back to your life before kids, when you had no responsibilities, plenty of free time, no one utterly dependent on you, and less stress. But then your kid will do something like this, and you’ll fall in love with being a single dad all over again.

16. They’ll be hilarious, even when they’re asking for something for the millionth time

Enough said, really.

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Read the other 39 Tips for Single Dads here at Daddilife. Image courtesy of Adobe.