Just like to introduce myself...

I've just become a single full-time daddy,to an awesome 2 1/2 year old, after 2 long years and three attorneys. Not to get too personal, but let's just say her mother likes the drugs...so it was necessary. I've got no family at all around here, and no girlfriend, so I'm in this alone. Not crying about the situation, because I'll do whatever it takes. But a little help is VERY welcome.

I started out jsut looking for sites and forums devoted to single custodial fathers, but there seems to be a shortage of those on the internet, for whatever reason. In my search, I came across this site, and it made me wonder if I was looking for the wrong place all along. I'm starting to really think that the female perspective is what I need even more than the fatherly advice, when it comes to things like doing her hair, etc.

So, I'm gonna give this a try...see if I can learn something. I may not be the perfect daddy, but I'm gonna try my hardest. Thanks to all ahead of time, for any help you give me.

You don't need to be perfect to be a good Daddy. Just love her and be there for her. I am a newly single mother of 2 and I am trying to figure his out myself.

Congratulations and good luck. And Kudos to you for being therefor that lilgirl.

Thanks a lot. It's funny, how there's this animosity towards all females...or in your case, likely..all males...when it comes to this stuff. It's like at first, you don't wanna hear any advice from anyone of the opposite ***...as if he or she had something to do with you and your situation. Ya actually have to stop and tell yourself that you're being stupid. Lol. I think that's the main reason why at first, I only looked for male-oriented sites. Kind of silly, because I'm thinking asking another guy how to be a mom doesn't make a lot of sense.

Thank you for the reassurance. I do know I don't need to be perfect, but in my own mind, no matter how well I do, it's always gonna feel like I could do more. It's totally ruling my mind, every second of the day right now, because of the 2 1/2 years she's already had to go through.

Good luck to you, too...maybe we can help each other out one of these days.

Learingtoswim,

First - Welcome! This is a great place, as many will tell ya, I'm sure I think you have found exactly what you are looking for! Here we have Dads & Moms - all just trying to be good parents and support each other.

From the sound of it, your daughter is a very lucky little girl to have you. I am sorry to hear about her mother, and hope she gets some help and can at some point become a part of her child's life.

I look forward to reading more of your postings, and if I can ever offer any humble advice, I'll certainly try.