If you are interested in giving your side of the story, tidbits of information what have you, then follow the links below... don't forget to tell them that "SPNetwork" sent you and keep us informed.

Hey! You can post something it here if you like.

http://www.talltalespress.com/beingdad.htm


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Hello

My name is Steve Van Bakel and I'm the publisher for Tall Tales Press located in Calgary, Alberta Canada. We are currently working on a book called Being Dad, Fathering After Separation or Divorce. This is book design to support and encourage fathers through a most distressing time in life.

We are currently seeking individuals who have had experience with fathering after separation or divorce for either phone or e-mail interviews. This may include, but is not limited to, fathers, children of divorce, women and professionals.

I believe this project will benefit both the fathers struggling through divorce and separation and the interview subjects who will be given the opportunity to share their opinions and stories.

We are also looking for positive input from anyone who has been affected by fathering after separation or divorce. This input could come in any form including; short stories, articles, poems, tidbits of wisdom or just some thoughts you've written down. The input could be as short as a single quote and though ideally we would like to keep submissions under approximately 750 words, each piece will be viewed individually. Please note, this is not a contest so you don't need to be a great writer or an expert in any field, you just have to be willing to share your views with us.

I was wondering if there is any way your site could help get this information out to your viewers. I thank you in advance for any assistance you can provide for this project. If you would like more information please visit our Being Dad page at www.talltalespress.com or contact me at BeingDad@shaw.ca

Sincerely
Steve Van Bakel
Publisher / Father
Tall Tales Press
www.talltalespress.com


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Chapter Ideas

You Can Make It Through This
Taking it One Step at a Time
Keeping Your Child�s Spirit Alive
Staying Active In Your Child�s Life
Learning From Our Children
Special Memories
Fathers Speak To Their Children
Children Speaking Up
Moving On
Mothers Share Their Views


Fathers of separation or divorce

1. What wisdom would you share with a new single father?
2. What helped you get through this experience?
3. Do you have any wisdom for other fathers who may be going through what you went through?
4. What would you like to say to your children whether they are a part of your life now, or not?
5. What special memories do you have of your children?
6. What are, or were, your favourite activities or times spent with your children?
7. What do you do around the house to keep the spirit of you kids alive when they are not there?
7. How has being a father after your separation or divorce changed your fathering style?
8. What have your kids taught you?
9. Do you have any stories/poems/articles about moving on after separation or divorce? Including moving on with other relationships.
10. Is there anything else you would like to share?

Children of separation or divorce
(including children who may now be adults.)
(if a child is too young to write, the parents may submit for them.)

1. What advise would you give to a new single father?
2. Do you have any advise for other children who may be going through what you went through?
3. What would you like to say to your father whether they are a part of your life now or not?
4. What special memories do you have of your father?
5. What are, or were, your favourite activities or times spent with your dad?
6. How has having your father in your life been a positive experience?
7. Is there anything else you would like to share?

If you have short stories, poems, or essays that deal with the above questions or anything else that deals with fathering after separation or divorce, we would love to read them.


Lets not forget the mothers, and step-mothers

We all need mothers in our lives and when children are not with their fathers, they are mostly likely with their mothers. Mothers know first-hand the effects of a father being, not being, active in a child�s live and we welcome any wisdom or encouragement they can offer. We encourage mothers to answer any of the above questions or add their own comments or stories. We would also appreciate if mothers can assist their children with answering questions and submitting their thoughts, wisdom, poems or stories that they may like to share with fathers.


Everyone

1. What name would you like to be used with your submission? If anonymous, leave this question blank.
2. Please include a brief biography of who you are so that it can be added to the back of the book if your submission is used. Please limit this to a few sentences.
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and Steve good luck on your book
Peace
Robin

Thank you Robin. I have e-mailed this site and offered my story and offered anything else I can for them to use. Many here already know where I stand on things. I wish to eliminate the "deadbeat" dad and the runners. I feel it must be done by making it easier to be a dad after separation; not with jail time and garnishees. Those should be saved for the hardcore jerks who think they can just walk away without responsibility. But for most, it's a case of the system being half the battle in an already emotional and adversarial situation. The word "custody" is part of the problem. Because I don't have "custody" does that make me less than the other parent? NO. I am still a full on dad. Children shouldn't be divided up with the rest of the property in a separation or divorce. My daughter may not be with me 24/7 but I am still her dad 24/7. If we can instill this into the system then maybe we can eliminate a lot of the problems with the runners. A better phrase would be "primary residence". The children will still live with one or the other but the conotations associated with "custody" could be eliminated enabling the young father to feel that he is still an important and integral part of his children's lives and not just a walking wallet.

I'm sorry Robin. I'll get off the soap box now and thank you for offering this outlet, and give you back your thread. And thank you for a wonderful site for all parents to share.