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Hiya,
It's great to have a site and community like this for support and advice.
First and formost I have 3 fantastic daughters from age 8-14 who are the highlight of each and every week.
I was married for 9 years and divorced after learning of my wife's 2 year affair. I wasn't a natural dad - good for all the fun stuff but didn't have great role models in my childhood so kinda eeked my way through my 20's with young kids learning as I went - so I hold my hands up to that.
Entering my 30's I came into my own- became much more laid back and really enjoyed being a good parent and had a good job too - always paid my child maintenance from the moment she left me. Unfortunately, last year I made a stupid decision to leave my job and setup a small business. This has been ridiculously tough and I've had no money to give her for the last year altho I've made sure that the girls are well provided for when I have them.
The Ex has been in 2 long term relationships since leaving and has become increasingly bitter toward me and seems to want me replaced by her latest fella. They've both started to run me down as a person to the children and the incessant negativity and verbal attacks have gotten to the point that I've had to start medication to sleep and function normally.
It's been heartening to read many of the stories here on the forum and I'll be posting a question somewhere else to do with parental responsibilities and my rights over the new boyfriend. but for now-
Hi and Thanks!!
Rick
Hi Rick, and welcome on here.
I can relate to the 'not being a natural dad' comment - I still feel like I'm play-acting when I go to parents evenings etc, and I've been a father for 22 years now 😆
I'm sure we'll be able to offer help and support, there's a lot of dads who have been through a whole variety of situations on here, as well as a lot of the good stuff.
Forgot to mention, as well as the various sections with advice, take a look at the blogs (you'll need to set aside a fair bit of time to catch up on past blogs 😆 ), there's a lot of good stories on there.
Thanks actd- have already read through alot of the forum stuff- will check out the blogs too.
I notice there's alot of other sections here- being a bit of a geek and movie addict I'll add some positive stuff too!!!! 😀
Hi Rick,
I have 3 daughters (and a son too) aged between 4 and 14. Interestingly I have found it the other way round from you. I found it easier and more natural when the kids were young ie under 8 as I could just be fun and a bit silly and the advice I gave was fairly simple. However, now the girls are in their teens I've found it a LOT tougher to relate and have them listen to my advice. Maybe you need to give me some advice!!
Welcome to the site.
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