Fathers Day + Co-Parenting

04/09/22

Happy Father’s Day to my co-parent team mate, my dad, step dad, brother and all the other father figures in my life to myself and my kids 

My son’s dad and I have an amazing relationship that I have been so grateful for. As in most scenarios, it was bumpy in the start but we both have always had our child’s best interests at the front of things. 

Through all of life’s ups and downs in the last 9 years, this co-parenting relationship has been so stable and supportive. I have tried dating, different jobs, holidays, other responsibilities with my daughter, sickness… all these different things that can make things harder in a co-parenting setup, and we have still stayed strong and been able to call on each other for help or work in with each other when we need to change plans. 

I am so grateful for this. My son is so grateful for this. I couldn’t ask for more. 

My attempts at dating have been the biggest hurdles, on my end at least and I can imagine on my son’s dad’s end as well. Dealing with so many different peoples feelings and emotions and trying to keep some sort of a balance is always going to have some bumpy patches but generally it has been surprisingly easy. There has only been one or two guys having any major issues with accepting the co-parenting setup we have and obviously that leads to issues. 

My own “dad” experience has its own layers. 

I have a good relationship with my dad. He lives about 3 hours north of me, we only see each other every couple of months and talk on the phone every couple couple of weeks – yes to the critics, I’m working on making that more regular… We get along well and can call on each other whenever we need. 

My parents separated when I was 13, it was a very messy, long separation. My brother and I got a lot more than we bargained for being caught in the middle of two adults dealing with a life changing event and all the emotions that go with it. 

One thing I have learnt as an adult is to just understand that everyone is where they are in life, and not to take everything so personally, people do the best they can at the time. 

I now have a step dad, he and my mum have been together for around 10 years now and though they also live about 3 hours away from me in the opposite direction, I know I can call on him as well if I were to need anything or just want to invade their house to visit. 

I have had plenty of other amazing people in my life who have helped with support or advice, friends, other family members, my boss being one of them. 

Family really is made up of people who just want the best for each other, and I’m so grateful for the family my children and I have around us! 

Don’t forget to tell yours you love them today

J x