The Whole Parent – Page 75 – Guide to Single-Parenting and the Return to Wholeness

What a Single Dad Still Wants in a Relationship (9-month update)

John McElhenney
July 30, 2014
Dating / humans of divorce / Joy / Love / Relationships / Self-care / Sex / Single-Dad
15 Comments

So we don't really have a word for what we "are." I don't like dating, so I'm not dating her. She doesn't like the idea of a long-term relationship so we're not doing that either. Do we need an easy handle on what we are forming between us? No. Is it more convenient if you are able to say, my boyfriend and my girlfriend? Maybe a tad better than my lover, or my life-mate. But please, we're splitting hairs. Do we like to be together? Yes. Are there things we like to do together besides fool around in bed? Yes. Then do that. Do all of that.

A Different Side of Boyhood: Celebrating Divorced Families

John McElhenney
July 29, 2014
Co-Parenting / Dating / Depression / Divorce / Joy / Love / Married Life / Money / Parenting / Relationships / Self-care
0 Comments

I'm a bit closer to my ex-wife now, having seen a glimpse into her life. I know we're both doing the best we can. And Boyhood celebrates that triumph both alone and together.

The New Dance of Anger: Men and Our Legacy (part 2)

John McElhenney
July 29, 2014
Anger / Depression / Health and Fitness / Self-care
0 Comments

In my marriage, perhaps we hid too much of the anger. My kids don't have many healthy examples of anger negotiation. And thus, even as young middle-schoolers, their response to anger is often to shut down completely, and even cry, depending on the severity of the anger.

Men and Our Anger Issues: The New Dance of Anger (part 1)

We all learn about anger at a very young age. Before we can understand the language we are being given verbal and physical clues about what is a right thing to do and what is a wrong thing to do. For most of us lucky ones, this guidance is done without the injection of anger or physical abuse.

Dear Single Mom: Listen, I Was Your Son, I Get It

John McElhenney
July 27, 2014
Co-Parenting / Depression / Divorce / humans of divorce / Love / Parenting
2 Comments

Take one step back the next time you want to overly defend your son. Take one breath before rushing in as he's dealing with issues. Give his little spirit time to develop. (Even with less of your "inspiration and help," he will get there.)

Playdates for Adults: The 5 Challenging Tasks of Finding a Partner

John McElhenney
July 26, 2014
Dating / Health and Fitness / Love / Relationships / Self-care / Sex / Single-Dad
0 Comments

When you think about the person you might like to be spending your Saturday afternoon and Saturday night with, where do you imagine you might be on any given Saturday afternoon? And then it's your opportunity/responsibility to get yourself there. She/he might already be there.

5 Myths and 5 Truths About Online Dating Today

John McElhenney
July 22, 2014
Dating / Health and Fitness / Joy / Relationships / Self-care / Sex / Single-Dad
0 Comments

I hope you meet a lot of nice people out there. But don't be fooled by their looks, their profile statements, or their fluent email banter. Go for the face-to-face meeting with as little hassle and energy as possible. If it becomes difficult to land the date, for whatever reason, move on. If they wanted to meet they would also be trying to make it happen, not giving excuses.

Is It Love We’re After? Looking for a Long-term Relationship

John McElhenney
July 19, 2014
Co-Parenting / Dating / Health and Fitness / humans of divorce / Love / Relationships / Sex / Single-Dad
0 Comments

The two of us have been through a lot already. We've jumped through some burning hoops to see the next layer of protection being stripped away. We are pretty close to the pure joy of finding time together and knowing that we will enjoy the company of this other person until something else comes along.