Week-end Dads
Whether its up to you to give your
wife a break from the kids over week-ends or you’re a single dad, here are some
tips on how to make these a win-win for everybody (spouse, kids, in-laws – even
you!)
Do’s:
Have a routine. Kids love routine.
It makes them safe, secure and comfortable.
Food is a biggie. Don’t indulge
them with rubbish take-away’s and sweets (you’ll pay for this later), but make
a point of having their favourite e.g. mac- ‘n-cheese in the fridge. Little
children especially, never tire of their favourite – even if it’s only
marmite-toast or fish-fingers.
Take them to simple places they
would not have the chance to go to during the week (age depending of course).
The library or park, kids cooking classes, the nursery or local nature reserve.
Take them swimming, fishing or hiking. Teach them about nature and the world
around them. They may not thank you now but, believe you me, they’ll thank you
in your eulogy one day.
Occasionally let them bring a
friend (especially if they’re an only-child)
About once a month, plan something special;
a movie, waffles and ice-cream, 10-pin-bowling or putt-putt. Take them to community
events like exhibitions, games or a morning-market.
Don’ts:
Don’t overwhelm kids with too many
exciting happenings in one day. They will only get tired and grouchy.
Don’t promise them the sun, the
moon and the stars – then disappoint them. You will lose their trust.
Don’t put your week-end life on
hold. This will only make you resentful.
Don’t do things with them that you
know will annoy your spouse or X – like take them to your parents and talk
nasty about her or let them do things they aren’t allowed to do at home – like
jump on the furniture, go to bed when it suits them or watch X-rated movies.
Don’t ignore basic hygiene (like
getting away without bathing or brushing their teeth) or ignore special diets
e.g. allergies. Don’t let them get wet in the rain ‘to toughed them up’. Come
Monday and their mom is going to have to cope with sick kids.
Remember:
Call, message, what’s app your
children during the week. Don’t only be a week-end Dad.
Diarise concerts, sporting or
dancing events and eisteddfods – and don’t forget special events like Birthdays
and family celebrations.
You can’t say ‘I love you’ if
you’re never there for them.
