Married Life Archives

Co-parenting Revised: Sex and Drugs and Rock’n’Roll

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:February 12, 2016
Post category:Co-Parenting Dating Divorce Health and Fitness Married Life Money Parenting Self-care Sex Single-Dad

SEX: YES with protection; DRUGS: IF YOU WANT, when you're old enough: ROCKNROLL: MUSIC is good, you decide the genre.

Don’t Underestimate My Fragility or My Ferocity: Depression & Divorce

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:February 10, 2016
Post category:Anger Co-Parenting Depression Divorce Health and Fitness humans of divorce Married Life Money Parenting Self-care Single-Dad Spirituality

I have a bit of a mood problem. It seems that when my life gets really tough (bounced checks, trouble at work, arguments at home) I sometimes collapse into a depression. It's not often, but when it happens it surprises everyone around me with the change in my energy, demeanor, and general outlook on life.

Hold On! The Information You’ve Been Given About Divorce is Wrong

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:February 2, 2016
Post category:Anger Co-Parenting Divorce humans of divorce Married Life Money Parenting Relationships Self-care Single-Dad

While I don't blame my then-wife for "going for it" and asking for everything she wanted: the money, the house, the custody, I don't think she was thinking beyond her interests. And we can all cite studies about mothering and nurturing, but today, just as many modern studies show the dad is of equal importance in bringing up healthy kids.

A Good Man in a Storm, Even After Divorce

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:January 31, 2016
Post category:Anger Depression Divorce Health and Fitness Married Life Relationships Self-care Single-Dad

It was a reality I could not manage. In the end, it was a reality that should've split us up and did. I am now free to have a relationship with a woman who enjoys life, and who wakes up laughing as I do.

10 Things I’ve Learned In the 5 Years Since My Divorce

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:September 26, 2015
Post category:Anger Co-Parenting Depression Divorce Drinking Health and Fitness Joy Love Married Life Money Parenting Relationships Self-care Sex Single-Dad

It's all about the kids. If you've still got a beef with your ex you need to get over it. There's no point. You might have disagreements about stuff, but those should be handled with the same intensity as a convenience store clerk.

Celebrating Becoming the Positive Divorce Dad

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:September 23, 2015
Post category:Anger Co-Parenting Depression Divorce Health and Fitness humans of divorce Love Married Life Money Parenting Relationships Self-care Single-Dad

Yes, divorce is hard. Trying to whitewash every single detail of a co-parenting relationship in some fantasy land haze would be of benefit to none of us. I am committed to owning my part in the divorce, always. And I am hopefully clear on my self-awareness when it comes to my own struggles with money, depression, communication breakdowns, and disagreements with my ex-wife.

What You Can’t Tell Your Kids After Divorce

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:September 8, 2015
Post category:Anger Co-Parenting Depression Divorce Health and Fitness Married Life Money Parenting Relationships Self-care Sex Single-Dad

You can't replace or redo the lost time. But you can grow back into your full self, into a whole parent, and be even better when they are with you.

Ready for the Summer’s End for the Single Dad: Back to School Blues

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:August 24, 2015
Post category:Depression Divorce Married Life Parenting Self-care Single-Dad

As I prepare for my back to school, end of summer, dip I know that I am better prepared for the eventual final departure of our kids. I just wish it hadn't come so soon in my marriage.