TIPS FOR SINGLE DADS

The 2009 Census estimates 13.7 million families have parents with dual residences. This creates a delicate balance for parents who want to provide a comfortable living situation for their children while keeping their home accommodating to their own needs. Single dads can have a particularly tricky time when they want to have a space conducive to watching Saturday morning “Dora the Explorer” and Sunday morning football.

It is not easy drawing the line between a hip bachelor pad and a kid-friendly space. On top of that, most dads are not exactly interior decorating champions, so finding that balance is tricky but not impossible.

Make an Effort

Deciding to make do when the kids come over is a rookie mistake. It turns the visit into a hassle, not a bonding experience. The worse thing you can do is give the kids the bedroom and move to the couch during their weekend visits or stick them into a back room with a futon and a portable TV when they are there.

It is better to set up the household around the kids, so you have freedom whether they are staying with you or at their other place. MissouriFamilies.org explains that dual residency is a difficult time for kids. They need to feel secure in the idea that no matter which house they are in, they are home.

Start by Decluttering

Everyone is guilty of it— that build up of crap that serves no purpose. Do you really need two year’s worth of sport magazines? Start by going through everything and marking stuff as:

• A necessity
• Garbage
• Give away
• Keep if there is room

You can motivate yourself to complete this project by setting up a garage sale. You can also rent a storage area for seasonal items like winter clothing or holiday decorations just to get them out of the way.

Learn to Maximize

The key is in learning to maximize space. That means turning your apartment into a vertical area, not just a horizontal one. You can research stacking units to open up closet and floor space, and consider installing shelves to create wall storage.

Don’t forget there is room down below too. Put bins under the bed to serve as drawers for clothing or toys. Consider loft, trundle or Murphy beds to create even more room.

Get Some Privacy

Privacy should be a top priority. Kids need a place that is their own, but so does dad. Ideally, you want kids to have their own room. If you must settle, look for big rooms and set up dividers, so everyone in the family has a private area.

Get to know the neighborhood before you rent an apartment. For example, Chicago apartments in the South Loop will put you near the aquarium. If moving to Orlando, you might consider one of the smaller communities like Kissimmee or Lake Buena Vista for that small-town feel. Once you pick the area, you can find an apartment big enough for you and the kids.

Being a single dad comes with challenges, but your living space doesn’t have to be one of them. Plan ahead and find the most practical apartment to make a home they will enjoy during their time with you.

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AUTHOR: Dennis Altman

Dennis owns a small auto and motorcycle repair shop. He writes in his spare time and cruises the desert sunsets as often as he can.