Tips for Single Fathers

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in DuPage County divorce lawyer

Although the divorce process comes with many legal and financial obstacles, some challenges continue long after the procedure completes. This is especially true for parents.

Many ex-spouses have a difficult time adjusting to single parenthood. Whether the courts award single or joint custody, the mother and the father will have to get used to taking partial or entire care of their children.

Many people assume that mothers are the default parent during custody disputes. According to the National Fatherhood Initiative, there is a cultural predisposition to view fathers as inferior single parents when compared to mothers. This is simply not true. There are a lot of hardworking single fathers who must balance work with their parental responsibilities and personal interests.

If you are a newly single father, try practicing these three tips:

Establish a Support Network

Single parenthood does not mean that you have to go through the process alone; in fact, trying to raise any number of children with virtually no help is a sure way to make the task considerably more difficult. This is the time to reach out to close friends and family to ask for their help.

There will be times when someone needs to watch the children in the father's absence, pick them up from school or other activities, or simply be there for emotional support. With a stable support network of family and close friends, this is not only achievable, but it also can be a great opportunity for the child to develop new role models.

Stick to a Budget

This one is critical: Managing money is sometimes one of most demanding tasks for single parents. Whether you are adjusting to a single income or trying to figure out how to make ends meet while also providing for your children, sticking to a realistic budget is important.

Practice Honesty with Your Children

There will certainly be times when your children may ask difficult questions, especially about the family. While some children take to divorce well, there are many who struggle with it — and there is almost no way to predict how your child will respond.

Always strive to give honest, age-appropriate answers when children ask difficult questions. It is better for them to learn and understand the way circumstances will be from the present to the future, and later in life, they will appreciate the honesty and come to trust you more.

Hire a DuPage County Family Lawyer

If you are going through a child custody dispute and would like to speak with an experienced DuPage County family attorney, contact the Law Office of Matthew M. Williams, P.C., at 630-409-8184.