ST. LOUIS, June 12, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Celebrated annually, on the third Sunday of June in the United States, Father's Day recognizes and honors fathers as well as celebrates their influence in society. While fathers are recognized once a year, the father who is present in their children's lives every day makes Father's Day every day. This is especially true for single fathers who provide and care solely for their children daily which can often be stressful and challenging. International best-selling author of "Ordinarily Extraordinary," Patrick P. Long, offers practical tips to help single fathers decrease stress and manage their lives with greater ease.
Based on his real-world experience raising four young children after his wife's death two years ago, Long instantly became a fulltime, single dad. Long quickly discovered he needed to simplify daily tasks and routines in order to decrease household stress and provide more quality time for himself and his children.
"Trying to match socks, while doing laundry, for four children was annoying and time-consuming. It also became difficult to determine which pair of socks belonged to which child and, as we all know, socks have a way of coming up short when trying to complete sets. So, I bought each kid new socks that were all unique to each child. It made sorting and putting away socks so easy, saved time and eliminated frustration. The more things you can simplify, as a single dad, the more time you have which equates to less stress," stated Patrick P. Long.
Here are a few additional tips from Long for single fathers:
- Simplify: Ditch the pjs. Pajamas create more laundry and eat up more time in the morning when getting ready for school. Get your kids showered and ready the night before. Put them in clothing they can sleep in that will not wrinkle so they can get up and moving in the morning, saving time and stress.
- Ask for Help: This is not a sign of weakness or shortcoming. Others want to contribute. Family and friends want to help those they love. Let them take the kids for haircuts, clothes shopping, soccer practice or to the movies. It gives your kids a chance to interact with others, who are not dad, and it's beneficial for you to have time to yourself.
- Self-Care: Definitely make the most of your time together with your kids, but also make time for yourself. Have someone babysit so you can go out with the guys, go for a run, see a movie alone or whatever you enjoy doing. Self-care is so important and is a good example to set for your kids. Besides, you won't be any good to your kids if you aren't good to yourself.
- Lose the Label: Ditch the traditional "Dad" stereotype. You are now a hybrid of mom and dad. Not only do you provide income and do the yard work, but also the housework now. However, it's important to provide emotional support for your children as well. Be open so they feel safe coming to talk to you about difficult things and observe how your kids feel and act each day so you can adjust your response. Discipline and accountability are important to instill in your children also.
Patrick P. Long's enthralling memoir, "Ordinarily Extraordinary," depicts his story of the final few weeks of his wife's battle with breast cancer reflecting on illness, love and loss. In the story, Long focuses on setting a positive tone for his family after his wife, Melanie, passes. The book is a unique and rare look into the life, thoughts, and feelings of a husband and father coping with tragedy and seeking a new normal for his family as a single father.
About Patrick P. Long
As a child, Patrick P. Long developed an extraordinary passion for writing. Honing his penning skills, Long authored "Ordinarily Extraordinary," a nonfiction publication detailing his wife's battle with breast cancer and its effects on him, their children and marriage. A raw, revealing and intense real-life tale, "Ordinarily Extraordinary" became an international best-seller within the first few months of publication and continues to receive global five-star reviews and endorsements. Long was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri where he is raising his four children and supports the American Cancer Society and Camp Kesem, St. Louis University Chapter. For more information, contact 816.766.5010 or visit http://www.patrickplong.com.
About Paddy P Publishing
Home to international, best-selling author, Patrick P. Long and his premiere publication, "Ordinarily Extraordinary," Paddy P Publishing, LLC is committed to producing and distributing the finest fiction and nonfiction publications worldwide via printed and digital formats. Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, USA with operations in the Kansas City, Missouri metropolitan area, Paddy P Publishing, LLC has swiftly proven itself a well-respected entity in the publishing industry. For more information, contact 816.766.5010 or visit http://www.patrickplong.com.
Media Contact
Renee Chronister, Paddy P Publishing, +1 816-766-5010, [email protected]
SOURCE Patrick P. Long
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