Single Parent Life – Stories, Tips, Advice
A friend recently asked why my single parent blog covers such wide-ranging topics. Of course, there are single parenting tips and advice about divorce separation, co-parenting with an ex, raising children in a two-home family, child custody agreements. There are sexy and funny stories about dating after divorce. Like any blog, Dad’s House is an outlet for me, and also a resource for single parents. Reader comments and insights provide even more help and support.
So what’s with the cocktails, booty calls, sex, books, movies, cooking, and self-awareness?
In short, this blog isn’t about how to be a single parent. It doesn’t focus solely on struggles, survival, money problems and emotional fallout from divorce. And it’s more than a daily diary about my single dad life.
Dad’s House explores how to be happy, enjoy life, and find contentment when you’re parenting kids by yourself and running a household solo. Tons of factors come into play – sex, spirituality, psychology, self-awareness, humor. The sheer joy of cooking, having fun with your kids, being present to the moment, enjoying time to yourself.
So sit back and enjoy the Dad’s House Single Parent Blog grand tour… There’s a ton of stuff here, so browse what you like. Or just scroll down to your favorite cocktail recipe.
Divorce, Child Custody, Co-Parenting
I’ve written quite a bit about marital separation and parenting in a two-household family. Dad’s House single parent and divorce advice posts include:
- A 50 50 child custody schedule that has worked great for my kids, my ex-wife and me.
- Concerns when a divorced parent wants to move away.
- How to co-parent with an ex spouse in a positive way that works.
- Divorce birthday party traditions when both single parents and their extended families want to take part.
- A look at the fun parent in divorce.
- Should an ex’s boyfriend or girlfriend attend school events?
- School and doctor communication with divorced parents.
- Finding contentment as a divorced parent alone when your ex has custody of the kids.
- The Jon and Kate Gosselin divorce, and what the future may hold for this reality TV family.
More on divorce, separation, child custody, and co-parenting on the Divorce page.
Single Parent Dating After Divorce
Some single parents haven’t dated for years, other single moms and single dads (like me) keep cycling through bad first dates and blind dates, searching for a suitable partner to bring around their children, or looking for a lover to keep apart from the kids. I divorced ten years ago, and while I’ve enjoyed several long term relationships and almost remarried twice, I’ve also had my share of sexy, funny, and annoying dating stories. Some single parent dating highlights:
- The challenges of a single mom dating a single dad when their schedules don’t match.
- The odds of a single dad meeting women at a cooking, yoga, or wine tasting class.
- Should a single dad date a hot school teacher if his child is in her class?
- Funny stories about internet dating as a divorced dad.
- Advice on how to start dating a single father.
- Tips on when to start dating after divorce.
- Relationship compatibility and life stages.
- Single dads looking for love – do they need to have more children?
- How a single dad can pick up a woman in front of his kids.
More on single parent dating after divorce on the Dating page.
Single Parents Raising Children, Parenting Teens
Raising children and parenting solo can be challenging, but it’s also quite rewarding. On one hand, as the lone parent you’re the responsible adult providing for your kids and setting the rules in your household. That can be stressful. On the other hand, you get the benefit of extended one-on-one time with your kids, and parent-child communication that can’t be avoided instead can be embraced. Single parent family highlights:
- How do I talk to my daughter about sex?
- What a father should know about his teenage daughter.
- How one dad reacts when his teen daughter starts dating.
- The importance of a father spending time with his teenage daughter.
- The fun of a single dad cycling with his teen son.
- Tips on raising children.
More on raising children, parenting teens, and family communication on the Family page.
Single Parent Sex and Intimacy
No, I don’t mean having sex by yourself! Though sex and intimacy can be a challenge for a single parent without a partner. While I prefer having a long-term girlfriend or lover, I’m no stranger to hooking up on occasion. Some single parenting related posts:
- Single parent sex unexpectedly interrupted by kids when your ex has custody.
- What to do when an ex girlfriend still wants to have sex.
- Dating and intimacy with a single mom or single dad.
- Can friends with benefits be friends?
- For a single parent with intimacy fears, tantric breathing and sex can be a great help.
More on casual sex, hooking up, one night stands, and booty calls on the Hookups page.
Single Parent Books and Movies
I like to keep an eye on how single parents are depicted in popular culture. I also enjoy sharing good self-help, spirituality, and relationship advice books.
- Relationship and divorce advice books
- Deadbeat dads in bestselling books and blockbuster movies
- The Boys are Back – single dad movie review
- Hey Ann Coulter – It’s Evolution, Baby!
More book and movie reviews are spread throughout the category pages.
Spirituality and Self-Awareness
Any divorced parent might feel the need to heal from within before falling into their next long term relationship. I’ve found post-divorce comfort and guidance in non-religious spiritual wisdom.
- A New Earth – Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose, Eckart Tolle book review
- The Game of Life and How to Play It
More spirituality and self-awareness books on the Misc page.
Cooking, Food, and Recipes for Families
A lot of married men I know can’t cook to save their lives. But after divorce, you don’t have much choice, especially if you’re a single parent with kids to feed.
More healthy recipes and cooking tips on the Recipe page.
Cocktails! Mixed Drinks!
After a long day of doing pretty much everything, any single parent deserves a stiff drink, taken in moderation of course.
More cocktails and mixed drink recipes on the Recipe page.
If you’re new to this blog, welcome! Whether you’re single or married, male or female, childless or a parent – poke around, chime in with opinions and questions. Dad’s House enjoys debate. We all learn, grow, and evolve by interacting with each other. Whether that’s over cocktails or a blog post.
And if you just want to look…? By all means, voyeurs welcome.
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Subscribe | © 2008-2010 David Mott, DadsHouseBlog.com. All rights reserved.
Comment by Nicki
| November 17th, 2009
Clearly, I’m not much of a voyeur. I’m more of a stick me in the game kind of chick. I have to tell you, I’ve really enjoyed reading you. (And there’s so much to read!) The chicken and dumplings recipe caught my eye. I’ll let you know how it turned out. See…there was this sale…and now we’re working on getting tired of chicken so that the turkey will seem like such a treat! ;)
Nicki´s last blog ..Apparently…I’m insufferable…
Comment by Ginger Magnolia
| November 17th, 2009
Holy tons of links, Batman!
I’m really glad I stumbled over here. You give tons of good advice, and your dating stories are great!
Ginger Magnolia´s last blog ..Totally Music Tuesday
Comment by ilinap
| November 17th, 2009
I am not divorced or a single parent but I just like your stories. And who am I to not be a voyeur into such a colorful life?
ilinap´s last blog ..5:00 Fridays
Comment by Mindy/Single Mom Says...
| November 17th, 2009
A Dadshouse guide in a post. Nice.
As a longtime reader I know you have some great stuff here in ALL these links.
And I think we need to come up with a nicname for you and your affinity for linky-posts! ;)
Mindy/Single Mom Says…´s last blog ..The Good, The Bad & The Rest of the Weekend
Comment by Sandra
| November 17th, 2009
Look at you pimping yourself out. Just laying all your stuff out there for all to see ! Me likey !
I think’s it’s a great idea to give us a peek into your blog so people who just discovered you can see what you’re all about.
Sandra´s last blog ..Tempt Me Tuesday
Comment by jason
| November 17th, 2009
dad,
great blog & great community of commenters
i am curious, are you a buddhist?
cheers
jason
Comment by BigLittleWolf
| November 17th, 2009
Something for everyone! No offense… but I’m still not eating those damn boiled beats and chard… (The Mai Tai’s sound good though!)
BigLittleWolf´s last blog ..What’s your style?
Comment by QTMama
| November 17th, 2009
I’m with BLW, boiled beats are gross.
But lots of nice links to yourself David. ;)
QTMama´s last blog ..Life Life Life
Comment by Big City Dad
| November 17th, 2009
Appreciate the index of posts Dave. It’s easy to get stuck just reading the post of the day, but your 10 years of practice at this gives us the benefit of a lot of experience. Thanks.
Comment by dadshouse
| November 17th, 2009
QTMama and BigLittleWolf – from one single parent to another, I gotta say – boiled beets ROCK!
Big City Dad – I try to do a summary post every 6 months or so. It helps categorize old posts for new readers. Here are sexy and funny posts, and a roundup of the best reader comments, both from a year ago.
Jason – I suppose I have buddhist leanings. I saw the Dalai Lama teach for 3 days when he came to Mountain View several years back. I’ve read a ton of books on spirituality by various authors.
Sandra – you should see my purple velvet fedora! Pimping my dope jam blog posts, big time.
Ilinap – you’re not alone! Many of my readers are married, or childless, i.e. not a single parent.
Ginger, Nicki, Mindy, everyone else – glad to have you around!
Comment by Cathouse Teri
| November 17th, 2009
Self-awareness… is that another term for masturbation?
Cathouse Teri´s last blog ..From Andy Rooney?
Comment by Just Me...
| November 17th, 2009
Ginger Magnolia has cracked me up again!!
Thanks for all the links!! :):)
Just Me…´s last blog ..The Difference a Day Makes….
Comment by Jim
| November 17th, 2009
Great blog, always read it everyday while at work no less! I like the great variety of topics, keep up the great work!
Comment by A Single Dad's Life
| November 17th, 2009
I’m glad you highlighted these, I have been slowly working through your blog and really enjoy it. Reading yours gave me the push I needed to start mine! Thanks!
A Single Dad’s Life´s last blog ..Mental Forecast: cloudy for the near term
Comment by Zoeyjane
| November 17th, 2009
I haven’t been reading for long, but just wanted to pop in and say that I’m enjoying stalking your blog – including how varied it is!
Zoeyjane´s last blog ..On 26 answers
Comment by donna f. ferber, lpc, ladc, llc
| November 18th, 2009
Children, Divorce & the Holidays: Reducing Stress
1. Money, gifts, sweets and indulging don’t “make up” for anything. Your child is going to have TWO Christmases. No need to feel guilty. Most kids say the dual holidays are the best thing about being a divorced kid.
2. If possible, make your plans with your ex-spouse ahead of time and stick to them. Let the kids know where they will be and when. It helps them feel in control. Let them make only age appropriate decisions. A good rule of thumb: if it is not a decision you would let your children make while you were married, then don’t let them make it now. Let your kids be kids.
3. Be flexible. No, this is not a contradiction of #2. It means that S—T happens. So if your ex is two hours late because of an ice storm or because cousin Joey showed up late, try to let it go.
4. Keep your anger, resentment, annoyance, disgust about your ex, a new sports car, girlfriend(or boyfriend), or your in-laws, to yourself. Remember, your kids are part of both of you and when you slam the child’s otherparent, your child feels slammed as well.
5. Do not make your children responsible for your happiness. “Go have a good time with Dad in Jamaica, while I sit here miserable and all alone,” only breeds resentment and guilt in your child.
6. Don’t compete. If your ex can afford more than you – fine. Rather than resenting your child’s other parent, appreciate that your child can experience things you can’t buy him. Don’t overspend to keep up. Make memories by doing fun things together – bake cookies, read a Christmas story, build a snowman. Money does not buy love.
7. The new girlfriend/boyfriend cannot and will not take your place. Children are unbelievably loyal. They can love many people, but the title and honor of parent is yours and will be only yours, forever. Relax. Deal with your jealousy without making your kid responsible for your feeling threatened. This is simply not the job of the child.
8. Divorce is the severing of the adult relationship and should not be the termination of the parent-child relationship, no matter how much you really can’t stand him/her. If your child is not in harm’s way, the relationship needs to continue. This is the CHILD’s right. If you really feel the child is in danger, then get a lawyer, prove it and have supervised visitation. Never keep a child from being with a parent based on your own feelings!
9. Lastly, remember that you are the adult. Suck up your anger toward your ex and make the holidays wonderful for your kids.
Adapted from Ex-Wife to Exceptional Life: A Woman’s Journey through Divorce
© Donna F. Ferber, LPC, LADC 2005, 2009.
Comment by What Women Want
| December 9th, 2009
It is tough enough being a guy looking for a woman, but being a single parent is even tougher. You always have someone else to consider first — your child — when you meet someone new. Good luck.