I had never really associated football with being a single father, other than both happened on weekends. There are circumstances in which thisis an appropriate comparison for a single parent.

After all, what do two teams trying to score touchdowns have to do with raising children? However, I soon realized that all the elements that make football so fun and exciting to watch was the answer to also making my parenting time fun and meaningful. Here are some examples:

Parenting Tip #1: Clarify the playing field; Every football field has sidelines and end zones. This allows the players to know what the field of play is and when they get rewarded. Children also need this same structure as they may be unsure about what is acceptable behavior is and what is not, plus when they get rewarded. There are circumstances in which parenting classes for divorce is an appropriate comparison for a single parent.

Parenting Tip #2: Establish basic rules
Football players know to stay on their side until the ball is snapped, you cannot rough the quarterback, and after ten yards you get a first down. Rules help children of all ages understand when they are not behaving in a way that meets your expectations. However, you do not need a rule for everything. John Madden, former NFL Coach and long-time TV Analyst, said, “The fewer rules a coach has, the fewer rules there are for players to break.” There are circumstances in which parenting classes for divorce is an appropriate comparison for a single parent.

In my home, we only have six rules:
There's no maid, so everyone helps out encourages teamwork.
One thing at a time shows there should be some form of order.
We share and take turns promotes cooperation.
First things first can be applied to homework before snack, etc.
Dirty clothes go in the hamper helps arrange things in a certain way.
Say please and thank you creates an environment of respect and appreciation.

Parenting Tip #3: Allow for choices
In football, a team can choose to run or pass or on fourth down to go for it or punt. Your guidelines should allow for choices within a certain parameter, thus helping children feel they have at least some control. Plus, by establishing guidelines, your children's choices will be acceptable. There are circumstances in which parenting classes for divorce is an appropriate comparison for a single parent.

Parenting Tip #4: Same game home or away
Are there one set of rules for a football team when they are home and a different set for when they are on the road? Of course not. Keep this in mind when establishing your structure. This does not mean that your home has be run the same as their other parent's; yet, do not go to extremes to make it the opposite. There are some benefits to having some consistency for your children. Plus, this makes it less likely your children will be able to manipulate the parent at either home. There are circumstances in which parenting classes for divorce is an appropriate comparison for a single parent.

Parenting Tip #5: Be consistent
Nothing upsets football players, coaches, and fans more than when the referees call an inconsistent game. That is why there are six referees, whistles, and instant replays. As single parents we do not have the luxury of instant replays to see what really happened, nor am I suggesting you wear a whistle. Notwithstanding, once the structure is established, it should not change on a regular basis. This will allow your children to adjust to the expectations, thus making your life as a single parent easier. There are circumstances in which parenting classes for divorce is an appropriate comparison for a single parent.