So the past year has been a learning experience for me. Things I learned.

1. Dryers have lint traps. Apparently you need to clean them.
2. Don't mix reds and whites.
3. Read the tags. I ruined a few sweaters by not doing this.
4. Be frugal. Freeze leftovers and re-heat!
5. Don't assume that feminine products are all the same. Make sure you are getting exactly what they want.
6. This goes for hair products too.
7. Teaching your 16 year old daughter to drive is the scariest thing in life!
8. Boys don't always share their emotions but they can hurt too.
9. Knock before entering.
10. Don't let your kids feed the dog ice cream. GOD THAT WAS A MESS
11. Learn to forgive and love.
12. Kids need more that fast food. I was already the cook in the family but it took awhile to get my game back.
13. When your daughter tells you she baked a cake for you inspect everything! Oh look the oven was left on all day!
14. If you cant be strong for yourself be strong for them.
15. LOVE THEM and TELL them everyday.

Im sure there is more. Do any fathers want to add?

Sounds like you have got it sort Dad
Well done you are doing a great job
Tip
1 washing machines have filters too that need cleaning
2 shower drain will need to be cleaned because of hair. That can slow down drainage

Well I know about the drain. Dang it's like pulling a wet mouse out every few weeks.

Washing Machine Filter? Uh Oh!

not a parent yet...but i know a healthy sense of humor goes a long way...

and it looks like you're doing a good job so far

Yes it a little netted bag that collects linkand crap needs emptying
Either in the middle or on the side

Another tip with teenagers
Be open to hear what they say even when you don't want to hear it because they are testing to see what your reaction is
My kids adults now tell me pretty much most things.
We have great discussions and that helps with a healthy relationship with all of us.
Don't talk at them, talk with them and help them walk through life in good and bad. I refused to say I told you so because they shut off from you.

Cool, Thank you!

Remember you are doing a great job and you're a great dad.
It's not easy being a single parent as you know you will go through good and bad times.
Enjoy your children while you have them because time flies quickly and before you know it they have left the nest.

2bhappy4ever...I don't know if your dealing with teens yet, but what Annie said is 100% on the right track. My 2 children are adults now as well.

YOU GOT THIS

Thank you. Yes a 16 year old daughter and a 22 year old boy who is emotionally less mature than the girl...ugh.

You are on to it
If you need someone to chat with
I'm here for you. We are here to support each other. Its always better with friends who understands.

Another tip
Let your daughter do her own personal shopping that way it saves you both the embarrassment.

LOL she took me to a Tilly's (a really trendy teen store here) and I felt so out of place! Finally I found a few dads sitting on a bench outside the dressing rooms. We never said anything to each other but we all gave looks of sympathy!

Lol shopping with the daughter
Want to swap kids
You can have my motorhead, scientific, army 18 yr boy
I will take your daughter shopping.
Lol driving lessons vrs shopping

I get the safer deal

Oh you haven't seen my daughter drive. YIKES! There are nail marks on our jeep where I have held on so tight!

I'll drive but remember to drive on your right side of the road.


Have that sorted

I loved each post here.. I have a couple of things to add..

1. always laugh
2. always breathe since you will never know what is coming next.
3. always be honest and say I don't know but I will find out.
4. Take time for yourself even it is 5 minutes in the bathroom doing absolutely nothing but breathing...

Last but not least..
Always remember you are doing the best you can, and you will survive this they do grow up..then the real laughter starts...

When you find out the worst trauma you put your child through...

Who knew that all the scoldings, swats, lectures, time outs, loss of privileges, or groundings were the worst trauma you can put a kid through.

It would be made to weed flower beds...

SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO TRUE, Rains

I can add a few more.

1. When you daughter asks you to watch Bachelor In Paradise you need to hold your tongue and you opinions. The important thing is she is sharing her life with you. Guess What I am watching now

2. When you come home and the kids announce they have shaved the dog (poodle). Wow. This dog looks like it fell out of the ugly tree and hit every branch.

Take photos they come useful later on

Think what I would add here is

Use the ears and mount in the proportion they are given to you.

Sometimes it is the little "sacred special Daddy time" you give your kids separately is really important. The dynamic changes when it is one to one. Sometimes it takes a special effort to engineer but even if it is early morning breakfast, a pajama hike, or just trip for a haircut the kids remember it and will save the important things to share.

Tell your kids you are going to do your best not to mess up but you are human and mistakes are part of the deal so sometimes you will have to say sorry and keep moving forward. If they see you admit failings it will be easier for them to cope with their own.

Remember parenting is a life time gig. It is ok not to teach your kids everything on a schedule. Sometimes they will learn some things on their own or be more interested in learning it another time. You get a lot smarter as parent when they outgrow the "weaning" age and you can offer to help them master skills later.

And even if you are a Mom sometimes you have to be the single "Dad" just as Dad's have to learn to do the Mom duty. It is hard to put on the other "hat" but if you tell your kids you are trying they are really pretty accepting.