18 Things I Love About Single Dads

I can spot them really easily. I’m talking about single dads. I guess it’s because I’ve been divorced for so long, I just have a sixth sense. For example, the other day at the grocery store, I see this guy. In his cart were the following: Ice, soda and chips. Then he stopped to buy a lottery ticket. I smiled. Some single dads have a very lovable way about them. Some are very admirable. Some seem sad, some seem at peace, some seem really happy. So, I don’t want to stereotype single dads, but I will just for this article.

Just as it is for a single mom, I think single dads have it rough. Lots of juggling, lots of pressure to work and see and care for their children. It’s not easy. So, in this article, let’s celebrate single dads!

I know countless single dads who are amazing men; thoughtful, loving fathers who give fatherhood their all.

So, in honor of Father’s Day, I’d like to celebrate single dads and thank them for all of their hard work and dedication to their children by posting:

 “18 Things I love About Single Dads.”

1.  Single dads actually GO INTO the pool and swim with their kids versus lying in a lawn chair catching rays and talking to their girlfriends.

 

 

2. Single dads actually play in the snow with their kids, too.

3. They usually say yes to a request to go get ice cream.

4. They play dolls, house and dress up. They also bake cookies.

5. McDonalds is a regularly visited restaurant.

6. They come to baseball games in a suit, probably having dashed out of the office to catch as much of the game as they can.

7. They volunteer to be a coach for their son or daughter’s team.

 

 

8. They give great hugs.

9. They’re usually smiling (when I see them) and seem like they’re really enjoying being with their children.

10. Staying up late isn’t a big deal to a single dad.

11. They’re fun! (sorry, moms, you’re fun, too, but they’re REALLY fun)

12. They act silly, but not in public places.

13. They tell funny jokes.

14. They can rattle off sports stats like no one else (which sporty kids love).

15. They’re constantly taking pics of their kids.

 

 

16. They don’t scold kids if they forget to brush their teeth.

17. They’re more open to the opportunity of getting their kids a pet.

18. They have this look of pride on their face that clearly shows how much they love being a dad.

I know I’m generalizing. Not all single dads are like this. There might be single moms reading this and cringing because their ex doesn’t do any of the 18 things. In fact, he might not even be in his kids’ lives. If that’s the case, I’m sad for the children and I truly feel for the mom. I also truly feel for single dads whose ex-wives are not in the picture.

But, all my 18 things are things I’ve seen in some of the single dads I know.

I’d like to address one more thing. If there is a lot of hostility and resentment in your divorce, it might be hard to acknowledge how hard your ex-husband is working to be the best single dad he can be.

I’m recommending that this Father’s Day, try to put your own story with your ex on the back burner and wish him  a Happy Father’s Day for the things he does for your kids.

What if he didn’t wish you a happy Mother’s Day? Who cares! Do it anyway. You’ll feel great and your kids will learn from it. What if you wish him a happy Father’s Day and he rolls his eyes and walks away? Who cares! That’s HIS issue. Again, you will feel like you did the right thing and your kids will learn from it.

In closing, I want to say that for me, being a mom is my most important role in life, and I think that there are countless other single moms who feel that way. But, there are also countless dads who feel the same way, and what I’m trying to say is that it shows. It really does.

Happy Father’s Day!

Like this article? Check out, “20 Things I Wish I Could Have Told My Newly Separated Self”