Solo-Dad Guide To Raising Well-Behaved Kids

Raising kids is certainly an uphill battle, especially if you’re a solo parent. And for solo dads, things can turn even more overwhelming. Amidst the high frequency of emotions and responsibilities, there’s one thing that being a solo dad teaches you is that you've got the ability to wear too many hats. And sometimes, it literally means dressing up weird. Even though every parent wants to raise well-behaved kids, raising them alone does not certainly come off easy.

Read below this guide to learn how you can shape your little ones into well-behaved kids as a solo dad.

Kids are great at mimicking. So the next time you slam the door after a frustrating day, your kid will also not refrain from shutting the door hard on days when their crayons won't work. The fact is—action speaks louder than words, and so does parenting, which ultimately refers to modeling the behavior you want to see in your child. In short, patience, kindness, and resilience during moments of adversity are what you need to teach your child. Several studies also show that 50 percent of children model the behavior they observe.

It is important to start assigning responsibilities to your kids at an early age. Having responsibilities is equivalent to confidence and accountability. You don’t always have to be the fun parent. Sometimes, it is also about creating moments where your kids feel responsible and empowered. A study revealed by Harvard University stated that kids who start chores young are more successful in adulthood.

You must surely have your social circle. Now you may think, Why does your child need it? The answer is that even children need a great social circle to fill the gap that arises from single-parent households. By making your child realize that it is okay to need others, you’re ultimately teaching them the importance of resilience. Being a solo dad means you’re the go-to person for every question and meltdown.  Therefore, it is equally essential to let your child create a circle too where they could feel comfortable opening up.

Being a solo dad also means you’re the only one to back them up. Here comes the role of having a friendly environment where your kids can speak about any topic. And you will have to lend the ears even when some discussions feel uncomfortable. Moreover, according to a study conducted in 2021, children who communicate openly with their parents have a 30% lesser possibility of engaging in risky behaviors during the teenage years.

In short, the need is to build trust early!

Being a solo dad is a 24/7 gig. And the burnout is real! However, when it comes to raising well-mannered kids, it demands that you give your best. Therefore, it is important to strike that perfect balance between parenting and self-care. Whether it’s about taking a short drive, a quick jog, or a movie night with your favorite farmhouse pizza, carving out time for yourself is equally needed. After all, a happy parent means a happy child.

Raising well-mannered kids as a solo dad needs a perfect balance of love, care, and responsibilities. The truth is—there will be days when you might question every decision of yours. What is more important is to realize you’re doing a great job for your kids. And most probably, your kids are watching and loving at every step of your learning journey.