Parenting

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.

The 3 Immutable Laws of Positive Co-Parenting

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:August 28, 2015
Post category:Anger burn Co-Parenting Divorce Health and Fitness humans of divorce Money Parenting Relationships Self-care Single-Dad

My ex-wife and I don't see eye to eye on a lot of things. But one thing we've kept relatively clear over the last 5 years of divorce is THE KIDS COME FIRST. Always.

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.

The Transcendent Single Father

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:August 20, 2015
Post category:Co-Parenting Divorce Parenting Relationships Self-care Single-Dad

We tore up the 50/50 schedule that I brought into the counseling session. We started again with the SPO and the non-custodial rights and responsibilities. And while I gave up a huge piece of my "dad time" that day, I've never stopped working to show up for my kids at every opportunity afforded me.

Dear Non-Custodial Dad: Here’s What You’re Getting

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:August 17, 2015
Post category:Anger Co-Parenting Depression Divorce humans of divorce Money Parenting Single-Dad

The non-custodial parent is treated a bit like a second-class citizen in the legal system. If you want to go for 50/50 divorce parenting, I think you'll need an attorney. I also think it's worth it, if you want to spend as much time as possible with your children.

Having A Positive Divorce is Up To You: The Two Levels of Healing

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:August 8, 2015
Post category:Anger Co-Parenting Health and Fitness Parenting Relationships Self-care Single-Dad

Your kids are learning about life from how you behave, not how you tell them to behave. So behave honorably. Be respectful of your former partner. And love them with all of your heart when they are with you.

What Am I Doing? Divorce, Depression, and a Single Dad In #Recovery

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:July 24, 2015
Post category:Co-Parenting Depression Divorce Health and Fitness Parenting Relationships Self-care Single-Dad Spirituality

I wanted my marriage to continue, but it did not. And that failure has given way to such joy and happiness that it's hard not to thank my ex-wife for giving me this new opportunity for a joyous life.

The Good Side of Divorce – Making Things Go Easier

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:July 15, 2015
Post category:Co-Parenting Depression Divorce Married Life Parenting Relationships Self-care Single-Dad

My anger is my own. My kids are a shared resource and responsibility. My ex is a wonderful human being who is doing her best in the world.

How Love Transforms Us Completely When We Feel the YES

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:July 9, 2015
Post category:Co-Parenting Dating Divorce Health and Fitness Love Parenting Relationships Self-care Single-Dad

With this woman, I have established my new JOY TRIBE. And my two kids are basking in the renewed joy as well. By showing them what a loving and happy relationship looks like, they can begin modeling their future relationships on healthy patterns.