Calling All Single Dads

    In today’s world, fathers are getting their share of custody after divorce, and those numbers are growing. I understand it can be scary or daunting for dads, juggling work, parenting and perhaps even a social life. For all the single dads out there -- there's no doubt you are doing a great job! The most important thing you have to do is love your child, after that it's just gravy.

There are places you can go for support and Web sites to visit that are for single dads. If you have a church or synagogue, community center, or local park, they all might have or can start a single parent support group. Approximately, 62 percent of all parents are single, so your universe is wider than you think. I suggest you begin by typing in "single fathers" in a search engine, and go visit one of those sites. 

We are never given more than we can handle, and I have a feeling you are handling single fatherhood very well. Just go out there and find other single parents who you can talk to, get advice from, and be supported by. Your confidence will grow as will your parenting skills and support network. I salute you for your efforts and this wonderful journey you're on. Your child is truly blessed, and so are you to be sharing this parenting journey with so many other dads, and moms out there! 

Ask a room full of single moms if they have ever felt the same way as you do right now and all the hands in the room will shoot up. They will have a few ideas for you, see what clicks. Keep an "angry" journal. Get those emotions out of your body and onto paper. This way you can see what is really at the root of your anger -- maybe fear or exhaustion. By writing it down and getting it out of your body it also makes room for some joy and love for your children to come in.  Plan play dates with other single dads who have children around the same age as yours. This way you get some "time off."

So, let's recap: Let go of feelings like anger, resentment, fear, doubt, lack. Get them on paper, find support with other single moms, and find some women who want to exchange babysitting or childcare with you so you can experience some self-time. And breathe, you are doing a great job!!  


Jodi Seidler is the founder of the single parent site MakingLemonade.com and the author of "55 Things Every Divorcing Mom Should Know!" Her advice has also made it to TV talk shows, such as: "Inside Edition"and "Men are From Mars, Women are from Venus." Her e-mail is jodi@makinglemonade.com.