Do you ever feel like your marriage has become a minefield? Sometimes we get off track with our wives, and the smallest things can cause tension and separation. Too often, couples get caught up in the distractions of life and lose track of each other.

Singing is truly enjoyable with little ones — and it’s a great way to bond with them. The best songs are the made-up songs. They make up songs that rhyme, songs about putting on your shoes, and songs about eating crackers. My girls make up songs about nearly everything they do!

Loving needs to be unconditional. That’s what we’re all called to do as husbands and fathers. When a family member has a need, we take action. Even if it’s inconvenient! Love is more about commitment than feelings. But thankfully, the loving feelings will often follow the loving actions.

Though I have gained many insights into working with single fathers over the past 16 years, here are some that I consider to be the most foundational. I believe these five principles — three “Do’s” and two “Don’ts” — will prove successful in your parenting.

Being a single dad isn’t all work. In fact, sometimes it’s great fun. So, with Father’s Day coming up, here are five ideas to keep in mind that will be good for you and your kids. Some of these ideas pertain to this Father’s Day, and others will have an impact for years to come.

Whatever you do, know that you’re not alone. Know that being a proactive single dad is a blast. Be a man, be a father, get muddy and let the washing pile up.

Disagreements and tension with our children’s mother can’t help but spill over into how we relate to our kids. Our words and actions (or our inaction) can have powerful consequences for our families and children.

A few words of encouragement to single dads who have custody of their kids. In many ways, these dads can learn valuable lessons from the many single mums who have blazed the trail before them.

Dads, let’s look at positive habits we can pursue — 5 things to do that will help us be more affirming and encouraging for our kids and more peaceful with our exes and others.

Divorce is tough on kids, and different children respond in different ways. Of course, it’s tough on a dad too, but as much as possible, it’s best to be understanding, patient, and positive.

How do you maintain your motivation and commitment as a dad? According to our own research on fatherhood, high commitment is the number-one sign or predictor of an effective father. But there’s a problem… our commitment level erodes over time.

Is it possible to be a great father as a single dad? The short answer is, “Absolutely!” However, since being a single parent brings a variety of outside factors and dynamics, we may have to take a slightly different approach.

For most men, being a new father ignites some new feelings that don’t really come from any other experiences in life.

The first question we must ask ourselves when considering the fight for our rights as fathers is, How will it impact our children? What price will they pay? Divorces take a big enough toll on them.

One of the best things a dad can do for his kids is to love and respect their mother. A strong marriage creates security for the whole family, and it helps your kids thrive in significant ways.

When I speak to groups of dads, I often bring up generational family issues to try to help them gain a better perspective on their own challenges. I ask a series of questions to bring these issues regarding their fathering heritage to the surface.

Even if nurturing wasn’t a strength for your dad, you can learn from others, and pass it on to your kids. Men do feel, and we do nurture. Let’s just do it… now! With our arms, words, eyes and ears, we can give our kids the physical and verbal affirmation that lasts a lifetime.