Became a single dad and had to completely reinvent myself

Apr 9·1 min read

She left when the kids were 4 and 6. I had to learn how to do braids, how to pack lunches, how to manage a household on my own while working full time. I went from being the guy who just showed up on weekends to being the primary parent. I miss the freedom I had, honestly. But I gained something way more valuable. My kids actually know me now. We have our own traditions. I'm present in a way I wasn't before. It was the hardest thing that ever happened to me but also the best.

6 comments114 views

Comments(6)

GGreg H.New DadApr 9

You basically became a superhero and didn't even realize it. Handling full time work plus all the household stuff and actually being present for them... that's the real deal right there.

KKevin M.RegularApr 9

Man, that's incredible work figuring all that stuff out solo. The braid thing alone would have me Googling at 2am, so seriously respect for stepping up for your kids like that.

PPhil M.RegularApr 9

This is legit one of the most inspiring posts I've seen on here. Takes serious strength to rebuild like that. The kids are lucky to have a dad who stepped up instead of checking out.

DDerekRegularApr 10

You're crushing it. Seriously. The braids alone would have me Googling for hours. How long did it take you to get decent at them?

NNate B.RegularApr 9

Man, that's incredible. You went from zero to hero real quick. Learning braids, lunch packing, all the stuff people don't think about. How are the kids doing with everything now?

TTony M.RegularApr 9

Respect. Single parenting is no joke and you're doing it. What was the hardest part of that transition for you? I imagine going from two incomes to one while learning all the household stuff had to be rough.