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 Crew Must Survive (The Deep Space Divorce Saga Continues)

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:January 25, 2015
Post category:Co-Parenting deep space divorce saga Depression Divorce humans of divorce Parenting Self-care Single-Dad

Sitting around that table, telling 15 people I'd just met about how I hoped to make it past 9 am on the next day, was a liberating experience.

Single Parent Moon Landing: Into the Sea of Tranquility

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:January 22, 2015
Post category:Co-Parenting deep space divorce saga Depression Divorce Health and Fitness Money Parenting Self-care Single-Dad

Though I had no map for the road ahead, I did have my own core happiness and strength. And even though the future had suddenly appeared darker and more ominous I responded with laughter. The situation was not funny.

My Little Rocket Ship of Hope and Love (Deep Space Divorce Saga)

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:January 20, 2015
Post category:deep space divorce saga Divorce humans of divorce Parenting Single-Dad

I got rid of about 50% of my things, and sold the spaceship and returned to the "captain without a ship" state that I find myself in right now. I put what was left of my things in storage and moved into my mom's garage. And again, I went back to the drawing board in search of a better map.

That Silence Says A Lot: What Are You Paying Attention To?

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:January 1, 2015
Post category:Anger Co-Parenting Divorce Married Life Money Parenting Self-care Single-Dad

When you ignore your kid's messages and voicemails you are giving them a very powerful message about their priority in your life. There is nothing you can say afterward, the exasperation has already taken place. This is never a happy response, "I don't know, I can't reach her and she's not responding."

Planning for Drama-free Holidays as a Single Parent

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:December 11, 2014
Post category:Co-Parenting Dating Depression Divorce Health and Fitness Parenting Self-care

Divorce is a bitch. And divorce-mas (the Christmas time when you're a single parent) is one of the times people experience the most sadness and stress. Here's the plan.

Giving Your Co-parent a Break: Think About the Kids, Not About Your Ex

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:December 3, 2014
Post category:Anger Co-Parenting Depression Divorce Health and Fitness Joy Love Parenting Relationships Self-care Single-Dad

Hitting delete instead of send can make all the difference. I had another one of those moments this morning. An email from the mother of my children saying some passive-aggressive things…

Where Did Your Heart Go After We Got Married?

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:November 22, 2014
Post category:Anger burn Co-Parenting Divorce humans of divorce Love Married Life Money Parenting Relationships Sex Single-Dad

Still, I'm not sure where her playful person went. I was offering new ideas while I was also trying to accommodate her "clean house" and "stable bank account" requirements. But I don't think she ever put a LOVE LIST together.

Rebuilding Myself Into the Person I Was Before We Married

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:November 20, 2014
Post category:Anger Co-Parenting Dating Depression Divorce humans of divorce Joy Married Life Parenting Relationships Self-care Single-Dad

The main thing to remember as the divorce s-storm is heading your way is to take care of yourself. Like on the airplane when they say to put your mask on first and then your kid's masks. That's so you are conscious to be able to help them. Divorce is the same way. Take the time you need before jumping back into a relationship. Enjoy your freedom. Explore your alone time.