What advice would you give to a single widowed dad raising three young girls by himself?

Also what are some of the challenges such a person can expect to face.





The three girls are 14, 8 and 7.What advice would you give to a single widowed dad raising three young girls by himself?
Considering a smaller home and taking in a boarder are viable ways to help, but I will suggest something you may consider radical. Why not start a home based business and homeschool your child? Homeschooling is a cheaper way of life (elimination of school clothes, school lunches, fundraisers, gas money if you drive, etc.), you could spend more time with your child, and often home based businesses are more profitable than most 9 to 5 grinds.


A smaller home could possibly help save some money. Please be careful, and get references if considering a boarder with a young child in the home.





Instead of requesting fewer hours at the old 9-to-5, why not plan your time more effectively? Weekly meals could be prepared in advance during the weekend, refridgerated or frozen, and used as needed during the week. Another alternative is using a slow-cooker or crockpot. Dinner could be cooking all day while your at work, and be ready to eat when you get home.





After dinner you and your child could set about geting everything ready for the next school day. Be sure that clothing, homework, lunch, backpack, and whatever other school supplies needed for the next day are all set out, packed up, and ready to go for the next morning. Get your daughters involved with some of the responsibility.





Give her age appropriate tasks that she can accomplish with little or no help from you. This will help to ease your burden a little.What advice would you give to a single widowed dad raising three young girls by himself?
Since they aren't all robots, the challenges vary from person to person. I'm a teen, and I really don't get into any kind of arguments with my parents. In fact, the most challenging time was probably around middle school, and that was mainly because of academic problems.





I'd say just keep the lines of communication open, and try not to be terribly strict. Make sure all of the rules you set down have clear and just reasons behind them, and do your best to not get angry with the kids when things aren't going right.





If you're squeamish about any of the menstrual stuff, just try not to show it. It's not like they're going to talk about it non-stop, but you'll have to talk to the 8 and 7 year olds about it eventually, along with bras and makeup. Thankfully, your 14-year-old will probably be of some help to them, but you may want to think about which female friends or family members they could talk to also.





Boys may be easier for a dad just because it would be easier for you to relate to them, but I never noticed too much of a difference between male and female siblings in my own family or others. Some boys can be pretty big drama queens (and they tend to break more valuables while they're doing it).
I personally would think that even if the children are boys or girls, single parenting is always harder thing to do. The first important thing for a single parent is to have the necessary control and authority. You need to have clear boundaries about authority, so the girls know in no uncertain terms that at home what you say is always final. And the second thing you need is taking time for yourself. To be an effective parent, you must also take care your self as well. You can aways join parenting groups, take time to eat food that will nourish your body, exercise, find a babysitter and spend some time doing something you enjoy without your children. These won't make you look selfish. Finally, what children needed the most is love. Everything else will come together, when they are being loved.
Firstly I'd let the guy know that he is amazing , and should be very proud of himself. He hasn't let his girls down , and he is also being there for his wife, which is something she'd want him to do..look after their 3 beautiful girls. I would tell him not to seek to depression or negativity, that won't help him or his girls. I doubt it would be easier if they were 3 boys because , they're both the same thing. Maybe girls can be a bit more whiny and needy, but boys are just the same.





Challenges he can expect to face would be when these girls get older , sex advice , hormone changes , boyfriends , etc etc. I would advise him not to be so mean or strict but to be open minded and try to see things from his daughters perspective. Try to be both a father %26amp; mother figure for your daughters, as hard as it may be. Get a nanny or babysitter that is female for the girls..so they can have someone to talk to.





Always be strong , and don't give up !!
Girls are emotional, dramatic, and a lot of fun. Make sure each girl gets a little ';daddy time'; each week. Since they are now motherless they need Daddy so much more, so even if it's an hour where they play games or go shoe shopping get that daddy time in there.





Be aware of each girl's current school habits. What's her favorite subject? Who is her best friend, worst enemy, crush? That way when she comes home saying ';Sarah did this today and I was just like...'; you'll know who the heck Sarah is. Don't be surprised if the best friend and worst enemy are interchangable or that the crush changes every week.





And no, it's not any easier with boys...perhaps a little less emotional, but still just as hard.
If you believe in a Divine Power then pray, no matter how angry, disappointed, %26amp; disillusioned you feel towards Him or Her.


Christ's most influential inner circle consisted of men were intimately familiar with the God who created them--no doubt these men knew how despicable their acts had been. But God made them, every part of them including their ';afflictions';. They were chosen. You were chosen. Do your best to make them sure they are loved %26amp; wanted. I have a feeling you've been doing that. Accept your mistakes without guilt, but try not to repeat them. Your children have an amazing Dad--and they know it--their lives will be prepared for whatever faces them because they know they are so worthy of your love.


Everyone who reads your question will ponder it for a long while.


Your wife lived %26amp; died with the trust %26amp; faith that her husband would nurture %26amp; protect her children.


What better gift?


If you really aren't their Father (step or biologically, I mean), then my heart %26amp; comments are surely as true to your friend. Even your Avatars bless us with the sweetness of their smiles, you have the rare qualities of concern and compassion--so if you're not the Dad--you're his Godsend of a true friend who really cares for him.


And to the incredible gals who've answered so far--I hope you all agree to be my contacts.
Teenage girl drama!!! You will never be able to get used to it, but you'll have to live with it!!!!