Single-Dad

Becoming a single dad was one of the most traumatic events of my life. I did not want the divorce, I fought against the divorce, and ultimately I agreed to collaborative divorce and was taken to the cleaners by an ex who decided to go for the “divorce package” rather than honor our 50/50 shared parenting agreement.

A Pervasive Divorce Bias That Has to Change

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:October 21, 2023
Post category:Anger Co-Parenting Divorce humans of divorce Parenting Single-Dad Spirituality

If two parents want to co-parent as friends, want to share expenses as co-parents, and want what's best for their kids, WE HAVE GOT TO CHANGE THE SYSTEM.

The Unwavering Love of Your Dog Can Enlighten You

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:October 18, 2023
Post category:Co-Parenting Depression Divorce humans of divorce Joy self-awareness Self-care Single-Dad Spirituality

Today, I'm placing my heart with a woman who believes in me, believes in lifetime commitments, and believes in love as a guiding principle.

Avoiding Holiday Depression: Notes from a Single Dad

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:October 18, 2023
Post category:Depression Health and Fitness humans of divorce Self-care Single-Dad

Get your butt on the trail to recovery and fitness at that same time. And then, if you don't, don't sweat that either. It's easy to be hard on yourself during the holidays. But your own peace of mind, and your own acceptance of yourself, just as you are, is the most important thing you can learn this season.

Embracing the Win in My 12-years As a Single Dad

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:October 18, 2023
Post category:Co-Parenting Dating Depression Divorce humans of divorce Married Life Money Parenting Self-care Single-Dad

Once I took my own anger out of the communication loop I began to heal and move on to the next stage.

The Cut-out Dad

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:October 17, 2023
Post category:Anger Co-Parenting Depression Divorce humans of divorce Parenting Self-care Single-Dad

There's no good way to share that the holidays are a tough time for me. I will be looking after my own health and happiness much of this season, to assure that no meltdown occurs in my life. But I will also leave some of my bandwidth open for my kids.

Offline Dating: Setting Intentions and Actions in Real Life

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:October 17, 2023
Post category:Dating Relationships Self-care Sex Single-Dad

So what are the alternatives to online dating? If I'm not going to browse and click my way into a new relationship, what's it going to take?

Biggest Online Dating Mistakes: 11-Years of Bumbling Hits and Misses

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:October 12, 2023
Post category:Dating Drinking Health and Fitness humans of divorce Joy Love mindfulness Money relationship building Relationships Self-care Sex Single-Dad Spirituality

Write your profile honestly. State what you want. State what you're bringing to the party. Then edit, ask, talk, phone, and get to know them before you go for that intoxicating "first date." And, in my opinion, avoid meeting for alcoholic drinks.

As a Single Parent: Love Fiercely, Because This All Ends

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:October 11, 2023
Post category:Co-Parenting Depression Divorce humans of divorce Married Life Money Parenting self-awareness Self-care Single-Dad Spirituality

When working through the details of our parenting plan, she played the "family law" trump card and let me know I would not be getting 50/50 parenting, because if she went to court she knew she would win exactly what she wanted.