Single dad support groups: A great resource

In spite of how much you love your children, bringing them up on your own is an overwhelming responsibility. It's a job which is both fulfilling and frustrating. And each day with teenagers is a completely new ball game. While the support of family and friends will see a few brave dads heal and manage life on their own, others might find solace in the company of others. This is why joining single dads support groups for single dads are recommended by most therapists. Just knowing that you are not the only single parent struggling to swim up river is comforting enough. 

Before you choose the right support group for single dads make sure it suites you and your needs, and doesn’t interfere with your priorities.

What is the focus?

First and foremost, make sure that the support group is focused on dealing with the issues you are struggling with.  If you are looking for emotional support as you grasp single parenting, a group offering to teach you managing single parenthood, home and career might not do the trick for you.

Where, when and how?

Make sure the support group you are interested in joining meets at a place which is convenient for you to get to. Remember, you are a million things to do by the time your professional day ends, so make sure your support group meets somewhere that is on your way home. Or see if they meet over the weekend to make things even more convenient.

Can my teens join in?

What would be even better is if your chosen support group for single dads offers supportive activities for children of single dads as well. This will not only help you spend more time with your teens, bond over activities of mutual interest, but also make attending this group more manageable.

What are the dues?

Although majority of the support groups are free for all, the group may request you make a small donation towards the arrangement of refreshments during each meeting. However, if you have chosen a group which has a subscription fee, which you can't afford, inquire about their potential scholarship programs. You can also make use of the groups additional services like subscription to a single parent publication or access to members-only areas of their website.

Do it on your own

If you can't find any support groups in your local area, take the initiative of creating one of your own. Post information about it on webpages concerning single dads to gather as many volunteers, attendees and members as you can.

If that too fails to yield results, search for support group activities online. There are lots of sites which offer free support group activities and advice for single dads.

Understant that attending a support group wont work like magic. Life will not improve unless and until you chose to stay positive! So the best advice for single dads, apart from joining a good support group is to stay on track and know that things will work out after all.

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