Hello. I surfing the web and found this sight. I think it is great that there is a place where single parents can talk and help one another. I am 32 with a 9 yr old daughter. For the first 6 yrs of her life her father was in prison. When he got out he promised to get a job, be a father, and all that good stuff they promise but for some reason can never fulfull. He ended up staying with us for a couple of months. Then one evening we meet him for dinner at the local mall. He left gave our daughter a kiss, said he loved her, and that he would see her later. By the time we got home, he had been there packed and was on a bus to California. That has been over a year ago. Of course, I don't get any support from him because he won't stay at one place to long. He used to call but that has stopped now. I think my daughter dealt with it better when my father was around. He passed away this past June and things have been really hard for her. I work very hard, sometimes to hard, to provide her with everything she needs. Sometimes I spend to much on her but feel that I need to make up for the fact that her father is a loser. Anyway, it was nice to vent a little and maybe get some advice that will not only help me but my daughter as well.

Well I'm sorry you've both had to deal with so much and I strongly believe that things happen for the best. Something great always comes out of something tragic.

For now, Welcome aboard! You'll find all the support that you'll need here.

I'm new to this site and glad I joined in. I never thought that there's a lot out there who are in the same boat as I am.

Passing the welcomes all around!

:welcome:

Echoing dr. jess here...sorry you girls have to deal with this, especially after losing your dad. Does your daughter have any positive male influences in her life since your loss?

If that's what you're in search of, one place to turn is a local church. If there is a trusted older couple in your church who might consider acting as "surrogate grandparents"...it could be extremely valuable for your daughter to develop a positive relationship with a caring, wise older couple. She will benefit from her relationship with both the husband and the wife, and have a chance to see a positive marriage relationship modeled in front of her eyes.

Other options might include a trusted teacher or coach. Of course, you need to make sure you know these individuals well, screen their backgrounds carefully with the organizations they work for, and make sure you are comfortable their values.

It's completely your business and I don't mean to be nosy. I only offer up these suggestions because I'm considering doing this for my own kids. Seems like it couldn't hurt to try.

I'm still pretty new here myself and feel very lucky to have stumbled on this site. You've got friends who can relate to what you're going through and I hope you find what you're looking for here.

Welcome,
You have found a great gathering place, with plenty of warm and strong people with real world experiences, and lots of understanding of the complicated struggles of being a single parent.

I am sorry for your loss. I think mommytothirtylittletoes had some great ideas. We know your father is not replacable, but there are others who would love to have some great people in there lives. Kind of like extended family.

Come back anytime and vent away.

Bell well

Harmony