It does not surprise me at all to see NO posts from single dads in this group. We're a different breed of people, i guess.
Doing the job of two people isn't easy. When it comes to my mommy role i stink, but i still try my best. If i didn't cook so well i'd be completely screwed.
I find it very difficult to make time, and to afford, time away from the home - just to get out and socialize. As a result, i haven't dated in over 3 years (the last woman was my child's mom) and i barely have a chance to see my friends. Between work, home, cleaning, cooking, shopping, and exercise time (not to include sick days) i have about an hour for myself in the evening before i sleep (average 5.5 hours).
I am thankful that my employer is understanding of my situation. I am late for work on a daily basis and have to take sick days for myself and for my child. i average about 40-60 hours per pay period. This makes life stressful and almost impossible to get by.
The last time i got a break from this full time job was a month ago, when my mom came to visit. I was able to work full days for the two weeks she was here - it was such a relief! Before that, I had NO breaks - 24 hour a day child care for over 2 years. No holidays, no breaks, no ME time.
There is so much more i could gripe about, but this entry gives you an idea of what single daddy's (AND single mothers) go through.
Do i have regrets? Only that i should have gone to university or college before deciding to have a child. Other than that, despite the tantrums and illnesses, the constant cleaning and disciplining, i wouldn't trade this life for another if it meant losing my child in the exchange.

Keep it going Cobalt,

I had the pleasure of handling the kids solo while my wife went to a long weekend conference. ~5 days.

I already had an appreciation for those who had to do it themselves, but really, I can't imagine carrying that load myself on and ongoing basis.
Fortunately for me, I had the benefit of well learned schedules and rituals and also had no exceptional events like sicknesses or other surprises.
It is a big job to take on by yourself, Mom or Dad.

So good job and keep it up.

Amen to all that.

I don't see how people make it out alive raising kids on their own. It seems to build a heck of a lot of character, though.

My wife works with a couple women who chose to be single moms. They both chose a "sperm donor" to make them pregnant and had arranged that once it took, he was gone. No relationship to complicate the matter. One just had her second with this arrangement, 16 years after the first. What I hadn't considered was that it can be a lifestyle choice.

Do you have a network built up around you so you have reliable babysitters and emergency kid tenders? We'll be losing my FiL as a last minute option for watching the boys when we move. I'm not sure how we'll replace that for ourselves in a new community. With just one adult that makes it even more urgent, I suppose.

My utmost respect to single parents and single dads.

They are on the forefront of forging the new fatherhood!

Thanks for posting. Usually what happens in forums is that it takes a seed and then others will contribute.

I am sure some paired dads will benefit from hearing of your experiences both here and in other parts of the forum.

My hat is off to you. Strong stuff.

Given your level of investment and sacrifice, I think you have a big payoff headed your way in the long run. Though that's probably not much comfort to you in the short term.

How old is your kiddo? Judging from my single parent friends, things get easier as the kids get a little older.

thank you for your kind words of encouragement

i apologize for not responding sooner!

@DaddyClay my little one is 3.5, and i hope you're right about things getting easier...upon reflection it hasn't been easy from the beginning and each day seems to bring on more challenges.

@ben my network is small and most often unavailable but we manage to get by.

if anyone reading has any ideas or resources i can tap into to make my schedule and life streamlined and efficient i am desperately seeking a solution!