Single Dad

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-27-2004
Single Dad
17
Thu, 08-30-2007 - 12:57am

I didn't see a separate board for single dads, so I decided to post my thoughts about single parenthood here. Like a lot of people here I just find myself feeling very drained and stretched to the limits all the time. I am a store manager for a retail chain with a 13 year old son and a 9 year old daughter and just feel like I'm in a constant struggle to not screw something up. I almost get the feeling sometimes that people are looking over my shoulder (moreso than they would at a father in a two parent household) waiting for me to make a mistake and of course when I do they are right there to offer me their unsolicited advice.

I have a great group of friends and co-workers and an awesome family but they have their own day to day issues to deal with and everytime I feel overwhelmed I want to call them up and vent, but it seems silly seeing as they have already heard it all before. So most of the time I find myself with this whole "me against the world" attitude when I know that really isn't the case. It just feels like that sometimes.

With school starting back up for my kids and trying to get back into the non-summer routine, everything is pretty nerve wracking. Having spent more money than I would have liked to on clothes and supplies it seems like I'm more financially strapped than ever (the huge summer electric bills aren't helping either), plus the ridiculous gas prices....urgh...it's just really hard. With all of this stress kind of culminating now at the end of summer my temper has been really short with my kids and I cussed my daughter out today for playing with the blinds in my room. Of course I apologized to her later, but God I feel like crap right now. Thanks for letting me rant...

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iVillage Member
Registered: 12-27-2004
In reply to: psychosemantic
Fri, 08-31-2007 - 6:36pm

107? Pshhhht. That's nothing, yesterday it was a balmy 110 at about 4pm, I felt like my eyeballs would melt in their sockets. j/k

"Do you live in a fairly bigger city or town?"

I live in a mid-sized town in Central Texas slightly north of Austin. There really isn't a lot to do here even when I do get "me time." Yeah, I was born and bred in Texas but I totally DO NOT fit the whole "tough guy cowboy" profile alot of my buddies do. Women here seem to go for the tall, dark, belt buckle, tobacco chewing bull rider type so in a sea of guys that look like Garth Brook clones I feel pretty anonymous.

My ex gets my kids every other weekend so when I'm NOT working on a weekend (which is never) I still don't get out much. She actually will be getting them today in a few hours buts it's a two hour drive round trip and when I finally get back I'm usually exhausted. And then it's either Righty or Lefty to keep me company :/

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-27-2004
In reply to: psychosemantic
Fri, 08-31-2007 - 6:42pm

So you're roasting out there in CA too then, huh? Here in Texas it just rained so a least it's a LITTLE cooler.

I don't know any other single dads in my area so it's hard to find people to talk to who are walking in the same shoes as me and ACTUALLY understand the unique challenges that come along with being a single parent.

Everyone here so far has been really helpful, so thanks. You guys let me vent so I'll be right here too to listen to y'all rant right back:) Have safe Labor Day weekend all!

Rick

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-07-2005
In reply to: psychosemantic
Fri, 08-31-2007 - 7:57pm

Hi Rick,


Welcome to the board!


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iVillage Member
Registered: 12-27-2004
In reply to: psychosemantic
Sat, 09-01-2007 - 1:11am
Thanks again for the warm welcome. It looks like I'm in very good company. God knows if I could afford a shrink it wouldn't hurt, so you guys are the next best thing, lol. Very therapeutic!
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-07-2005
In reply to: psychosemantic
Sat, 09-01-2007 - 1:17am

Lol- yes, the doctor is always in around here!



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Avatar for myprecioustwo
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-08-2003
In reply to: psychosemantic
Wed, 09-05-2007 - 1:36pm

I lived in San Antonio for years and spent many a party night in Austin! :)

As you noted by my last thread, I am considering a move back to San Anton. I'll be driving down for Xmas and then get a better idea if that is what I really want to do.

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-27-2004
In reply to: psychosemantic
Wed, 09-05-2007 - 11:42pm
Yep, Austin can be pretty crazy. One time I was one 6th Street and wandered into a gay club, and was like, "Wow, all these people are REALLY nice!" Then I got hit on (which was flattering in a weird way) and realized where I was and kind of mosied on out of there...

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