Divorce Archives

Divorce, once mentioned, is a slippery and difficult journey. As you pull apart the lives you’ve built together, there will be anger, resentment, frustration, and even joy, and ecstasy. But the divorce is hard on everyone. Listen for who needs support and then give your love and attention. Always.

POSITIVE DIVORCE (is a concept, an alignment, an intention I use as I go through life as a single dad.)

Divorce is one of the most disorienting events in my life. Everything was lost. I have made a point of trying to turn the bad points into positive information. I am here support you as best I can to lessen the impact on your children. Divorce is the beginning of a new journey. You can make it better for everyone by paying attention to what matters. Your anger at your ex needs to be handled on your own.

In Divorce: No We Can’t Be Friends

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:November 7, 2016
Post category:Depression Divorce humans of divorce Parenting Single-Dad

That's why she turned you over to the AG's office. She'd rather not deal with you at all.

Divorce Lessons: If What You Want Is Love That Lasts

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:October 24, 2016
Post category:Divorce humans of divorce Joy Married Life self-awareness Single-Dad

Do things you love to do and as the other person to join you. Join the other person in the things they like to do. Watch and learn how each of you deals with hardships and see if you can find a supportive way to remain close and connected.

I Believe In Marriage

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:October 21, 2016
Post category:Dating Divorce Health and Fitness humans of divorce Married Life relationship building Single-Dad

I tell friends that I'm getting married and I get that look. Like, "What? Are you kidding?" I'm not kidding. I'm proud of the fact that I've found my next mate. And should I be as tenacious as I was in my second marriage, I think this one might be for keeps.

Coparenting When the Other Person Wants to Fight

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:October 17, 2016
Post category:burn Co-Parenting Depression Divorce humans of divorce Married Life Money Parenting Self-care Single-Dad

One positive parent can make 100% of the difference. I'm not perfect, and occasionally I want to lash out when she does something that seems unreasonable. I don't. I never do.

Trying Again to Be 100% Positive

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:October 6, 2016
Post category:Anger Co-Parenting Depression Divorce Drinking Health and Fitness Relationships Self-care Single-Dad

When I set out on this journey, three years ago, to build a 100% positive divorce parenting blog, well... I knew there would be challenges.

What I Wish My Ex-wife Knew

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:September 20, 2016
Post category:Anger Co-Parenting Depression Divorce Health and Fitness Married Life Parenting Self-care Single-Dad

I've given up imagining that my words or actions can change her in any way. We'd like to think we can make another person happy, or comfortable, or secure. Unfortunately, we cannot.

Custody Should Be a Collaborative Term

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:September 11, 2016
Post category:Anger Co-Parenting Depression Divorce humans of divorce Money Parenting Single-Dad

In my future, I have my ex-wife to thank for the hardship of used car loan rates in excess of 19%. And she could care less. She claims to be all compassionate and always interested in protecting the kids' interests. But suing your co-parent is not protecting anyone's interest.

The Joy of Young Parents

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:September 4, 2016
Post category:Co-Parenting Divorce Joy Love Married Life Parenting Self-care

I can be present, I can be honest, and I can be vulnerable with them. Today I saw the joy and blessing of a little girl with her mom and dad. I saw myself 10 and 15 years ago. And I woke up.