33 Things as I’ve Learned as a Single Dad

Being a single parent has been quite an adventure most of the time. And always a learning experience. Here are just a few of the things that I’ve learned.

1. Being calm is better than being upset about 99 percent of the time.
2. There’s almost always time for one game of something.
3. Crock pots come in different sizes.
4. Celebrate the victories. Pizza and ice cream may not be good for YOU, but they’re good for ALL of YOU.
5. Be ready with a hug for the defeats.
6. Almost everything is breakable. And of those things, most are fixable.
7. When kids have a question, no matter how silly it might sound, it’s important to them. Listen!
8. It’s ok to have sandwiches for dinner.
9. Or cereal.
10. It’s amazing what you can get done in five minutes.
11. Even if your kids are “good,” go meet your kids’ teachers. Especially if your kids are good.
12. Playing in the rain can be fun. And rarely leads to pneumonia.
13. Play in the snow.
14. Then share a cup of hot chocolate.
15. Pick your kids up from school and take them out to lunch on occasion.
16. Read to your kids as often as they’ll let you. Or whenever they ask you to.
17. Going to watch your kids play a baseball game is fun. But it’s even more fun if you take your own lawn chair.
18. Messes come and go. But your kids are only here once.
19. Pack a note in your kids’ lunch from time to time.
20. Ask your kids for book recommendations, no matter how old your kids are.
21. Video games can be fun.
22. Cooking with your kids can be fun.
23. Laundry never ends. And will always be there after doing other stuff.
24. Surprisingly, kids don’t necessarily always like reading about themselves in a blog.
25. Go to events at your kids school, even a class party from time to time.
26. Kids need help eating their Halloween candy.
27. Always expect the best from your kids. And encourage them to achieve it.
28. Thunderstorms can be scary for kids.
29. Go out for a casual lunch or breakfast. Open up a conversation, and then just listen. No advice . . . unless asked!
30. It’s ok to stay up past the bedtime from time to time. Even on a school night.
31. Quiet is okay on Christmas eve, and chaotic is okay on Christmas day.
32. It’s fun to do stuff with your kids during their summer vacation. Even if that something is nothing.
33. There’s no substitute for spending time with your kids.