Im a single father as of last friday and have no idea how this parenting thing works, any advice?

My wife divorced me a few years ago just for the money but 6 years later she decides she doesnt want to take care of our kids anymore and gets in trouble with C.P.S and they take away our 2 daughters so after about 4 months I found out I was getting the kids back and I got them back on friday, but I have no idea how this works...please help :)Im a single father as of last friday and have no idea how this parenting thing works, any advice?
You need patience, lots and lots of patience.


Make sure your girls understand that things have changed, and establish rules.


Check with your local state/county if you need financial support to see if you qualify, not sure if daycare assistance would be grouped in the same situation.


If they are 6 they should be going to school, so you may need to find an after school daycare for before and after school.


You should be able to search for meetup groups in your area to find activities to do with other kids/parents.





Good luckIm a single father as of last friday and have no idea how this parenting thing works, any advice?
first of all congratulations on having your children. how old are the girls? have you had much visitation during the time your kids were not living with you? if you have a good relationship with your children then most of it will come naturally. you have to set reasonable boundaries and stick to them. that in my opinion is the hardest part of parenting. it is your job to be their parent and not their friend. they may have some issues and i would recommend a good family counselor to help you with this transition.
well, you're taking the first step by seeking advice.


noone can answer what practical experience will give you.


everyone's scenario is different.


check the internet, google parenting, etc, get as many answers, as much information as possible.


get structure. plan a schedule of daily events from wake-up to bedtime.


plan age appropriate activities.


I have the hardest time figuring out what to do with my 12 and 10 year old daughters.


They'll let you know what they lie to do, hopefully.


YOu can decide what's realistic, financially, etc, with your daughters.


Charts can work.


a calendar with days events?


depends on the ages of your daughters also.


little kids like stickers and that type of reward.


older daughters like things they can do to earn money.


try to get a schedule going so you have some structure with them.


sometimes that's the easiest thing to help.


talk with them about what's going on.


don't talk your spouse down to them.


be there.


be strong.


be a part of their lives. Interact with them.





any particular help you are seeking, let the group know.





just my two cents....
the best advice i can give you would be to have rules and be consistant about what you expect from the girls. and of course make sure they know they are loved-listen to them and if you need help, ask for it! sisters, aunts, grandmas can all be helpful in dealing with your 2 little girls and might have some insight for you
In my personal experience, and in observing others, here's my 2 cents:





Keep them clean and fed. Do a lot more praising the behavior you do like and a lot less discipline of the behavior you don't like. Pick your battles - if they are going to be doing whatever they are doing when they are 25 then it's probably best to just let it go. Obviously there are exceptions like things that are matters of safety and health. Be there for them and focus on loving them and getting involved in whatever they're interested in whether that be stacking blocks or what Jody wore to the party last night (I don't know how old they are). And don't expect everything to go as planned and keep the doctor's office on speed dial.





edit - forgot to say congrats and don't worry, you'll do fine.
If your asking about Parenting in general, your in for a ride and that is certainly something you need to experience yourself! NOONE is a perfect parent and noone has all the answers to parenting, if they do, I have yet to meet them. If you have specific qustions in topics about parenting or what not...I'd be happy to help, How old are your kids? What do you need help with the most? etc, etc...I'm sure you'll be a great father though....your kids have gone through so much already....to know your ex wanted nothing to do with them...is harsh even if they dont know it....
you should take parenting classes and put your girls in counseling, family therapy will help too. you'll be alright my dad did it. GOOD LUCK!!!!
sorry, i don`t know. =-)
congratulations on having 2 little girls. At first expect it to be very difficult because of all they have been through. Be Very patient. I'd make sure that all of you go for family counseling. Be very consistent. Have a schedule. Children feel safe with loving consistency. Have fun with them...enjoy them. Expect good manners, cleanliness, respect, and you respect appreciate and enjoy them. Have them help you clean their room,Help with dishes etc., but remember that they are very young. If you do it with them, it becomes more of a game than a chore..You can say,';you girls help me clean up and then we can play a game'; or ';go for a walk' or whatever it is you would enjoy doing with them. Play ball with them. Teach them to throw a ball, ice skate, play


cards take them to the park.


Don't be afraid to ask for help...grandparents, aunts, friends.


Don't criticize their mother, and let them know that although you are new at this and a little overwhelmed, you are also thrilled to have them with you Good luck and God bless.


PS I'd also take them to as many school functions and church functions as possible.
Well, my first bit of advice is to schedule appointments with a family counselor--it sounds like your daughters' lives have been chaotic lately and they may need some help readjusting to having Dad around more. The counselor can also help you establish a good relationship with your children, give you ideas on discipline and expectations, etc. If you go to church, you can also rely on your church community. This is going to be a stressful time for all of you, especially with CPS keeping tabs; just do the best you can, be wise enough to seek help and heed what advice seems to work for you and your daughters and most importantly enjoy your children but don't forget to set boundaries.





They are going to test you. If it helps, make a list of what you expect and what the rules are in your household. Sit your girls down and explain to them why these are the way they are and why you think they're important. Ask for their input, as well. Consistency is alway a good thing. ^_^





Good luck; this transition will be stressful for all of you but I'm sure you'll do fine.