Parenting Archives

Parenting is the biggest adventure you can set in motion. By becoming parents you are agreeing to give a priority to your children, over yourself. The sacrifice of becoming a parent is about making a better life for our kids.

As parents, our relationship may not work out. In divorce, we’ve got an opportunity to remain connected as a cooperative co-parent. Our role as divorced parents is to support our kids with less concern for ourselves or our disappointment in our ex-partner. It is important to leave your anger and frustration behind, and pay attention to your kids and their needs.

Kids, Divorce, Good Parenting, and Summer Jobs

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:August 7, 2023
Post category:Anger burn Co-Parenting Parenting Single-Dad

I have always been in support of my son. I have taken on his mom and her husband about the issues concerning his health. And, as usual, I have been shut out by them as well.

How an Angry Co-Parent Can Harm Your Kids for Life

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:August 6, 2023
Post category:Anger burn Co-Parenting Divorce Parenting Single-Dad

And, please, don't aim barbs at your kids meant to hurt your former partner. It never works as expected. Arrows fired at your ex will always affect your children on the way to the target.

A Dad’s Path After Divorce Is Hard and Lonely

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:August 1, 2023
Post category:Anger Co-Parenting Depression Divorce Health and Fitness humans of divorce Married Life Parenting Relationships Self-care Single-Dad Spirituality

I lost everything in that moment. I lost my fighting spirit. I agreed to the Standard Possession Order (SPO) schedule and I agreed to let my wife be the custodial parent.

Losing the Meaning of Life As My Marriage Blasted Me Out of the House

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:July 28, 2023
Post category:Anger Co-Parenting Depression Divorce humans of divorce Married Life Money Parenting Self-care Single-Dad

Divorce is not the end of the world. However, it's often the end of most dad's major bonding and influence with his kids. Most divorces end with dads being marginalized by the family court precedents.

Divorce Retrospective: Getting This Off My Chest

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:July 26, 2023
Post category:Anger Co-Parenting Depression Divorce humans of divorce Married Life Parenting self-awareness Single-Dad

I walk away from this story knowing I did everything I could to keep the marriage alive. And after the divorce, I've done everything I can (outside of shutting down my writing) to be a good father, a good man, and a reasonable person.

Single Dad 2 – Vindictive Ex-Wife 0

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:July 24, 2023
Post category:Anger Co-Parenting Divorce Parenting Single-Dad

What you can do, is support your kids with all of your heart and mind. And, in this case, when the other parent poops out and is too self-absorbed, you can step in and be the solid presence in your kids' lives.

Becoming a Happy Single Dad: Divorce Recovery Strategies

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:July 24, 2023
Post category:Anger burn Co-Parenting Parenting Self-care Single-Dad

1. Focus on yourself and your health/ 2. Give your kids 110% of your available attention / 3. Shutdown the angry communications with your ex

How Soon Do You Say, “I Love You” In a New Relationship?

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:July 21, 2023
Post category:Dating Health and Fitness Joy Love Parenting Relationships Self-care

At this point in my life, 8 years divorced with two teenage kids, I have a lot of life ahead of me. As I see this woman standing beside me, I see a partner who can join with me in my dreams, who can challenge me in my beliefs and fallacies, and who is solid enough in her own life path that she shares joy and confidence in our potential lives together.