Hints and tips for new boyf????!!!!

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Hi,
I hope someone can share their words of wisdom with me and then I'll pass them right on over to my lovely new(ish) bf who (bless him) trys to help out as much as possible with the kids but he (and I swear I'm trying to put it as nicely as possible) just hasn't got a flipping clue!

He's got no kids of his own and is used to spending an afternoon (at most) with friends or relatives children, so more messing around and handing them back than anything.... so just doesn't seem to have the knack of age-appropriate expectations/ consequences that littlies will understand and stuff like that. It's difficult to put my finger on the difficulties (which is part of the difficulty!).

I'm far from perfect, but obviously I've picked a lot up along the way (I have a 10 yr old & 3 yr old) and just find it hard to feel like I'm not nit picking, he recently told me he was finding it difficult, and I'd really like to offer some constructive advice?

Why doesn't he do a course with the local Children's Sure Start Centre? They're free. They do Parenting Puzzle, About Boys and others. They're very good and will help him a lot. Especially if you think this is a long term thing

Im with Teaandcakeplease - thats a brilliant idea! & maybe you could give examples or activities of things he could do with the kids. Simple things like maybe the 3 yr old making cakes with him or just little things like that. It'll help the kids trust & bond with him that bit better & it'll give him more of a responsible role. Also ask him to help out with things you do with the kids whether it be bath time or homework.

Good plan - I'll have a look at the children's centre timetable - even if it's just a case of finding out when the dads group is or something rather than a long standing course (he works funny hours). Or yeah, you're right just giving him some ideas might be a start! Thanks both of you! xx

Most courses are one night a week and are for 4 weeks sometimes 6 weeks.