eathdefying feat.Single dads are not suppose to exits, it's a sort of oxymoron;like marital bliss. Fortunately, any dad who takes on the roleof single parent "by choice" should receive an Oscar; okay atleast a Golden Globe. The knowledge that comes naturally towomen does not exist in the pronominal character of a man. There is however, basic knowledge that fathers should know ifthey find themselves under the category of single father. Note: This list is not all inclusive and you are welcome to addyour own words of wisdom, just remember like all families,single or not, your children reflect the type of home they comefrom, so take pride dad, take pride!1. Babies are a lot tougher than you think, so be gentle.2. Toddlers will not listen to you, pick your battles.3. When feeding children 0 to 6 years of age, keep it simple,real simple.4. Little children have accidents, ge...

...t over it, learn to cleanit up and wait on the next oops...it will happen.5. Never leave the house without sending everyone to thebathroom first.6. Always have a first aid kit. Keep one in the house, in thecar and at your place of employment.7. Child proof your home, every inch.8. Never leave small children alone in the bath tub. 9. Never leave older children to supervise small children alonein the bath tub.10. When tending to your children, allow the phone or cell phoneto ring, the voice mail will pick up the call. Who ever it is,they can wait. Your children are a priority.11. Play with your children.12. Sing with your children. (Sing anyway)13. Entertain your children. Act silly, tell jokes, have funwith your children. 14. Take pride in how your children look.Clean, well fitting, color coordinated clothing is key. Keep itsimple. (Resale is okay...honest)15. Teach your children that cleanliness is next to....well, youknow....BATHE from head to toe16. Some small children need to use deodorant17. Talk to your mother, female friend, or female physicianabout female hygiene concerns18. Talk to your children about sex, drugs, video games, pornsites and all other issues covered in the newspaper and ontelevision, before they hear it or learn of it outside their home19. Keep a family photo album20. Take photos of special events and everyday activities21. Watch your children play, study, and interact with oneanother, learn about their personality22. Don't ever, ever be afraid to tell your children "NO"...Justsay "NO" (Give a short explanation, but don't renege.23. Organize your family life, a lack of structure is stressfulto you and your children (it's okay to have a schedule...up at 7a.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m. lights out at 8 p.m.) You know.24. Show and tell your children how to behave, set the example25. "I hate you," and "I wish you were dead" are commonexpressions used by all children and teens at least once intheir life, expect to hear it26. Your children are human, they will get angry. Allow a cooldown period and then talk, listen, talk, listen, talk, listen,listen, listen.27. Tweens (children 10-14) are all knowing; always go behindthem and check everything they say and do28. Teenagers are all knowing and all doing, always go behindthem, under them, around, them and through them, checkingeverything they say and do29. Give your children chores; there are no free lunches in life30. Insist your teenagers work; it builds character and preparesthem for the reality of life31. Never buy your child a car or any expensive item; they willcare for it better if they have invested in it 100%32. Never get your child a cell phone unless they can pay for itthemselves. If you must, use a phone that allows limited callingi.e. a Firefly (I am not plugging this, it's just an example) ifyou must provide a method of communicating with your child33. Do not buy your child anything they want, they will notrespect you or appreciate the purchase34. Tell your daughters the truth about how boys really think35. Encourage your children to celebrate life and be happy36. Encourage your children to understand the mind/bodyconnection and take care of both37. Eat health foods38. Plant a garden with your children39. Provide opportunities for your children to succeed, sports,board games, cooking40. Praise your children from being good, loving caring peoplewhen they display those behaviors41. Expose your children to the possibilities in life, encouragethem to dream big dreams42. Never be jealous of your children43. Love your children unconditionally, there will be times whenthis is difficult, or impossible; just do it44. Learn to let go of your children and let them fail, itreally does build character45. Learn to wait before helping your children out of financialdifficulty. Allow them to figure out the solution for themselves46. Know that children are particularly emotionally dependent onsingle parents 47. Know that single parents are particularly emotionallydependent on their children48. Learn to live and love apart49. Appreciate all the ups and downs of raising your childrenand know you did the best you could and that was alright.50. Celebrate a job well done!...