If you are at home because of a lockdown or you lost your job or you started a business and it failed. I can go on and on but whatever the reason is you find yourself at home looking after the kids and it feels like the kiddy noise will never end. I compiled a few pointers for a 'stay at home dad' and I'm not an expert just sharing my opinion.
Have a schedule for the day, especially in your head.
The kids are little people with no plan for the day so waking up early is not one of them. Get them bathed and fed as soon as you can because the whole process will take time and you need as much time as possible.
Breakfast, Education, Playtime, Lunch, Creative arts/ Education, Afternoon nap, Free time and when you look again it’s supper time and you had a controlled day.
Smile and compliment for everything with the kids.
If you have the kids at home with you as it has been during a lockdown remember to smile for all their ‘show and tell’ demonstrations. You might be busy job hunting or working online, probably trying to sell something or start a business and suddenly a page is blocking your view or stone with a dot on it shoved into your face by your child, just compliment with a smile otherwise you'll be dealing with tears and a sad child which is 'drama' you don’t want to deal with.
Pay attention to everything, read all the information related to your kids.
Listening carefully to what your kids have to say, through the rambling of their stories they will tell you about what really happened, the true story. I personally ended up missing vital information because I never read the side notes which my kids had more knowledge about and I totally messed up.
Be a strict dad and a fun dad.
Balance it out because a fun dad will not be taken seriously and a strict dad will not get hugs and you need your child to be open to you and honest especially with a huge mistake that could result in a horrible outcome. Be a dad they respect more than fears, someone they can laugh with when they had a bad day and scared to disappoint.
Don’t give up on yourself.
This is very important because your pride and ego is damaged in the process and your circle of men can degrade you if they are the insulting type. Keep planning and working behind the scenes, stick to your dreams and try again. You are not less of a man because you look after kids, in fact, you are more understanding and equipped to handle a business and a household and it's an added skill that illuminates your true greatness.
Final words in closing.
Wake up and shower, dress smart and smell good. Shave everyday and make yourself presentable, the energy you emit will come back to you so love yourself and quit bad habits, you are never too old to change.
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It seems that you are a professional stay at home dad hah? Hahaha. I really enjoyed reading it. I actually find it humorous to be honest. I had a good laugh throughout your article. Say Hi to your kids for me. 😊