Readers Respond: What Makes You an Extraordinary Single Dad?

Responses: 5

Take a moment to consider all the ways that you are an extraordinary single parent. For instance, what sets you apart from other dads? How do you go "above and beyond" for your kids, and what are you especially proud of?

Taking the time to name your strengths "out loud" here on our site is one way to amplify them and acknowledge the true gift that you are to your kids.

Related: Extraordinary Single Moms

I'm a Single Dad, Too

Everything I read from single dads rings true, and I have always wanted to do something positive for all the single dads doing it tough. So I have started putting together a web site for single dads. It's not a winging morose, 'Oh, woe is me site.' It's a site where you can work at getting happy again, and that will reflect incredibly on your children, as I have found. I wish you all the best, but as all single dads know, we already have the best--and it's up to us to make the most of it. Take care of everything (it's what we do, right?). cheers dom

—dominickennedy

It's Just Dad

I lost my wife three years ago. After that, I received a job offer in Australia. I took my daughter, who was 4 years old at the time, got on a plane, and came to Australia to work. I had no family, no friends, and no support group. But we made it. I put my trust in God, and my little girl, who is 7 now, gave me the strength to carry on.

—Guest sean

Extraordinary Dads

I have been a single dad to my three boys for 12 years now. What I am most thankful for is that even though I had never cooked family meals or ran a house on my own, I have survived. At times it has been very trying. We have also had some really good times together, going out for walks and taking trips to the beach. It is a full time (plus) job, but it has been so rewarding as the boys have grown. Every day they show how they have listened over the years! They are all looking to have very bright futures. When I think of the 12 years I have "given up" for my children, I realize that there wouldn't have been any better way to have spent the time than teaching and supporting them.

—honeymonster1

We Can All Be Extraordinary Dads

I thought that "me" and parenting would never be used in the same sentence. But I became a dad, and it just all of the sudden seemed the most natural thing in the world. This was especially true after my son was diagnosed with a rare hereditary condition when he was just 16 months old. Then, when his mother and I split up, I knew that I had to keep him, as she couldn't cope with the situation on her own. Needless to say, since then, the last three years have been challenging, with lots of ups and downs. But they have also been amazing. My son is settled and content. He has stability and is confident at school. We go on holidays and do so many things that we didn't before. But the main thing is that, yes, I think I am an Extraordinary Dad, but also that we are all Extraordinary Dads... You just need to believe in yourself!

—zen.

Determined Single Dad

After my wife left my two kids and me, I took the challenge upon myself to take good care of my kids (who were 2 and 4 at the time) without any assistance. Today they are 16 and 18.

—Guest james