an angry co-parent

Defining the Deadbeat Mom

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:July 1, 2024
Post category:Anger Co-Parenting Divorce Married Life Money Parenting Single-Dad

The deadbeat mom uses the custodial system and family law to not only get what she wants but to damage her ex-partner in the process.

Lessons of an Old Dog: Parenting, Divorce, and Codependency

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:March 28, 2023
Post category:Anger burn Co-Parenting Dating Divorce Health and Fitness Joy Love Married Life Money Parenting Relationships Self-care Single-Dad Spirituality

For the last years of his life, my buddy will do whatever he does as an old dog. I will watch him zigzagging around the back yard and try to remain happy for him rather than sad for him. I will love on him as much as I can. And I'll be aware of how my emotional attachments and complaints are mine alone. He's a dog.

Tough Love: How Do You Reach a Kid Who’s Avoiding You?

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:March 21, 2023
Post category:Anger Co-Parenting Divorce humans of divorce Parenting self-awareness Self-care Single-Dad Spirituality

One of my kids is thrilled to stay in touch with me. We FaceTime most days. I offer them support and advice. My other kid only reaches out, or even responds to my texts, when they want money.

The Art of Indifference After Divorce: Letting Go With Intention

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:March 7, 2023
Post category:Anger Co-Parenting Depression Divorce Health and Fitness humans of divorce Love Married Life Parenting Self-care Single-Dad Spirituality

What I've got is my state of happiness and peace. I no longer fight with her about anything. I no longer ask her for anything. I keep my communications primarily with my kids. As far as I'm concerned, she's no longer the superpower she was.

I Wish You Well, and Absolutely Nothing Else: How To Forgive a Co-parent

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:October 16, 2019
Post category:Anger Co-Parenting Divorce Married Life Money Parenting Self-care Single-Dad

I am responsible for my actions alone. And my actions as a divorced dad have been 100% honest, 100% open, and 100% mom/kid-friendly. Her actions... Not so much.

Her Aspirational Divorce: Seeking a Better Life for Your Kids

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:September 3, 2019
Post category:Co-Parenting Depression Divorce Health and Fitness humans of divorce Joy Love Married Life Money Parenting Relationships Self-care Sex Single-Dad Spirituality

I cannot excuse my then-wife for taking the easy way out. Divorce is never easy. I cannot forgive my wife for snickering in the counselor's office when I asked for a 50/50 parenting schedule and showed my research and several calendar options. I cannot forgive her for making such a selfish decision that went against everything we agreed to in our marriage.

The Last Battle of My Divorce: Teenaged Children in the Crossfire

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:May 26, 2019
Post category:Anger Co-Parenting Depression Divorce Money Parenting Relationships Self-care Single-Dad

Dear Ex-wife, I sincerely hope you are happy in your new life without me. I am happy you are remarried, I am happy you no longer have any money concerns,…

Becoming a Healthier Co-parent by Releasing Your Ex

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:October 19, 2018
Post category:Anger Co-Parenting Divorce Health and Fitness Love Married Life Money Parenting relationship building Relationships Self-care Sex Single-Dad Spirituality

Bless your co-parent just as they are. Let go of your expectations about co-parenting. Then parent as best you can. Release everyone, even yourself, from the expectations and dreams you had of a wonderful co-parenting relationship.