Being the Best Single Dad You Can Be

As a single dad, you are still irreplaceable in your children’s lives—and always will be. Don’t ever forget that . . . and don’t let them forget you.

“It’s not the critic that counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled or whether the doer of deeds could have done them better. . . . The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust, and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and frequently comes up short again and again. Who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions and spends himself in a worthy cause.” President Theodore Roosevelt

“When I got divorced, I pretty much gave up on ever being a real father to my kids. But now I see that was totally wrong. They still need me. In some ways they need me even more now. And I want to be there for them.” Scott P., Savannah, Georgia

Real life is not easy for anyone, and sometimes we make it even harder for ourselves. As the old saying goes, “Life is what happens when you’re making other plans.” So maybe you find yourself trying to raise your kids as a single dad. Or maybe you have joint custody with your ex-wife. Or maybe you don’t even see your kids much these days. Or maybe you (or your ex-wife) are part of a new “blended” family. Each of these situations is different, and each one has its own set of complications and challenges. I don’t want to minimize how difficult some of those might be, but here’s the good news: No matter what the situation, your kids still need you—and you are still their dad.

Let me also take a moment to say “thank you,” because if you are still reading this book, you love your children, and that means a great deal.

Sure, there will be critics. I’ve noticed in my life that there is usually no lack of people to tell me how they would have done it better when I come up short. But as Teddy Roosevelt reminds us above, the true credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, slugging it out for his family and his children, no matter what. I appreciate that you care so deeply about your kids, especially as a single dad. Again, thank you.

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