Most fathers these days work their asses off and not just at work! But for the the divorced father it is especially challenging trying to provide and still maintain a strong connection with our kids. Each one of us has a different divorce experience and a different ex-spouse in which to communicate and co-parent. Regardless of the variables it is challenging trying to make it all work and simultaneously hang on to our sanity.

For those fathers in the amicable divorce club (I am in this club) it can be easy to suppress our frustrations because after all, our ex is reasonable, often flexible and not trying to destroy our future. But still there are many challenges even when our children’s parent is not making life worse. There are financial challenges, scheduling challenges, parenting challenges and blended family challenges, among others. Undoubtedly life is messier for us and we have to find a way to live with some of the tension.

For dads who have contentious circumstances with their ex this can be even more challenging. There is a greater need to stay on top of a number of factors to ensure that we are not being taking advantage of or worse, disparaged with our children. But it is equally important to make sure we are not contributing to their misery as well. It’s easy to default to blaming our ex when at times we might be better served to look in the mirror. Still, when mental health issues are in play it can make co-parenting more daunting than it should be.

Being part of a fathers support group allows men to not only share their challenges but also come to recognize our blindspots and pursure problem-solving where it’s possible. Bryon Remo, M.Ed., LMFT has both personal and professional experience in navigating the slippery landscape of post-divorce living and co-parenting. Click on the hyperlink If you would like more information on the Dads Supporting Dads Divorce Support Group in West Hartford, CT.