It doesn't seem like there is a lot of action on this board, but I am in Bedford if anyone else is interested in forming some type of support group!

Hello Melissa, not many ppl from Texas active here at SFV...but welcome and hope to see u around the site.

I am from Houston. 36 yrs.....2 boys....11 n 12

Just to let u know there is a thread called SINGLE FAMILY VOICES and there is a place for new members to make an intro.

I am here alot, so look for me.

:welcome:

I live in the Mid Cities region of Dallas/Ft. Worth. I know there are actually a few others who are in this area. But most of us are well spread out.

hi,
im a single dad 38 and i live in irving..hve a 18month old daughter..and i have visitation every weekend..thats the good news...but i dont know what i can do t keep her interested..ive dont mickd's, tys r us, mall, walmart park, play dateing..any other suggestions?

What about simple things like reading a book together, puttering around the house and stuff like that. A few simple toys and some quiet time with Dad can be the receipe for a good time.

Kids need to know what real life is about. They need to participate in life. Spending all of your time catering to a child is not good for them. They don't come to realize how to clean dishes, cook, keep up with the laundry. They start thinking they are intitled to play all the time.

A kid that age might think it fun to help take out the trash!

I always fall into the trap of needing to be out doing something with the kids. Someone told me recently, though, that they do not need to be entertained all the times. It's enough for you to just be there for their needs and let them fill some spaces of time on their own. It's a lot less expensive than taking them around, that's for sure!

That being said, if you do need a place to go, you could try the Ft. Worth Zoo, Ft. Worth Children's Museum, Stockyards, there are lots of local putt-putt game room places, Ripley's believe-it or not, and in the summer hurricane harbor.

hey shaka, welcome to sfv.....hope all u fellow texans stick around

thanks for the welcome, i was really worried on what to do with my daughter (18m)everyweekend i have her..but thats to some of u folks (and friends)..i take her anywhere ..where kids are...and it turns out theres always something to do..and i can see her enjoying herself all the time..encouraging

thanks, i got the very same message from a lady friend just yesterday..not to over play with my daughter, but do everyday things and let her watch learn enjoy..etc..also im just now beginning to start reading to her..and yes, its much cheaper than play all day..

Shaka,
Charity, davefanatic and your lady friend are right.

Your daughter will have fun doing everyday things with you. Cooking (let her pour, roll cookies, etc.), laundry, reading, watching cartoons together, and playing outside. These things will do numerous things for you, your daughter and her mother. It will teach her she has a HOME to take care of and enjoy while she is with dad. It will teach her she does not have to spend money to be entertained and spend time with dad. It will make your life more rested when it comes time for her to return to mom. Then, mom will be happier because you are being just dad, not "disney dad" and giving her things mom may not be able to. By all means, do things outside of the home with her. Do things she likes to do that may seem like drudgery to mom but, teach her about life and give her a home when she is with you.

:welcome: I hope you enjoy it here!

thanks , i will..ill be a mr . mom

ok, i joined my daughter (shes 18m) when she was 6m..and i would pick her even back then, nearly every weekend, from sat evn to sun evn..and she never used to call me daddy then, ok..but now she is and i can see shes getting very attached to me, which is great..trouble is when i drop her she doesnt want me to go and i can see her watery sad eyes..so i try to tell her ill see her next week but it doesnt always help..im just wondering..once i live her with her mom and sisters (5 and 8yr)..does a child get over it quick?..are children that understanding at her age? i get to believe she thinks im rejecting her..what do u think? thanks

Just my thoughts too. You don't have to do kid things. You can show her new and wonderful things that you enjoy. I had Jayd every weekend for her first 8 years. She's 12 now. She is also my best fishing and skating buddy. Those are things I enjoy that I taught her to do.
And Jayd cried too at that age when I dropped her off. Not much you can do but they will grow up and it does change. Enjoy it now because it's a testament to the good job you're doing. Welcome to SFV.

I agree. You are doing a terrific job if your child is upset to see you leave. I would give her hugs, be sympathatic, like you are doing. But she probably calms down well because she knows she can depend on you. It's safe, you will come back.

Children don't really understand time, it's now. All she knows is when you leave you aren't there. It's hard for her to think that you will come back. Her reality at that moment is that you are leaving. But she has seen that you do come back.

She probably doesn't think in terms of you regecting her. It's just her sorrow at being seperated from you. She loves you, enjoys her time with you, and doesn't want it to end. You give her special attention that every child needs from their father.

thanks friends,
im looking forward to many years with her indeed. today i hope to pick her up, so im going to give her my best time...and your advice really helps, and i can accept that..its good to hear from others whove been thru this testing road..it certainly relieves my worries..good luck to you all!