Advice for Single Dads

Q. I'm a single dad with a 3-year-old son. I have primary custody of my child and lately have been feeling pretty overwhelmed. I'm doubting my ability to do this and feel like maybe I'm not doing a good job. I would love to talk to others in my situation, but I don't have access to anyone or know of any single dad groups. Help!

A: No doubt you're doing a great job! The most important thing you have to do is love your child, after that it's all just gravy. There are places you can go for support and Web sites to visit that are for single dads. If you have a church or synagogue, community center, or local park, they all might have -- or can start -- a single parent support group. Sixty-two percent of all parents are single, so your universe is wider than you think. I suggest you begin by typing in "single fathers" in an Internet search engine, and go visit one of those sites. If you go to www.makinglemonade.com there is a single dad section there as well.

Never doubt that you're doing a good job -- just know that you are. We're never given more than we can handle, and I have a feeling you are handling single fatherhood very well. Just go out there and find other single parents you can talk to, get advice from, and be supported by. Your confidence will grow as will your parenting skills and support network. I salute you for your efforts and this wonderful journey you're on. Your child is blessed!

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