Always Dad: Being a Great Dad During and After Divorce Book

Introduction - Lemons into Lemonade

A Chance for Growth Getting Started It's All About the Kids

Chapter One - Breaking Up Is Hard to Do

One Last Try Honoring the Bonds of Our Children Taking Care of Yourself Who Moves Out?
Leave the Lawyer Stuff for Later if You Can Money, Money, Money, Money Hang In There

Chapter Two - Creating Your New Home

Making a Home Location, Location, Location Make Room for the Kids What's Cookin'?
Excuse Me! Do I Look Like a Taxi?
Remember You're Human Taking Stock

Chapter Three - Daily Life as a Single Dad

A Typical Day On Less-Than-Ideal Days Managing the Details Caring for Your Kids Baby Sitters and After-School Care Homework, TV, Games, & Leisure
"Right Speech" and Staying Focused on the Future

Chapter Four - The Noncustodial Dance

Dealing with the Changes Some Things Don't Change Staying Connected Different Voices, Different Homes Establishing Your House Rules Getting Flexible at Work Show Up When You Say You Will Presence, Not Presents

Chapter Five - Ex-Communications: 10 Ways to Make Talking to Your Ex Easier

1. Be Nice
2. Spare the Kids
3. Get Help
4. Take 24
5. Create Clear Boundaries
6. Don't Try to Change Her
7. Find Ways to Agree
8. Listen to Your Ex-Spouse without Defending Yourself
9. Let Your Ex Have Her Way While Not Giving Up Yours
10. Ask for What You Want
11. Bonus Advice: Ground Rules for Face-to-Face Meetings

Chapter Six - Settling Up: Legal and Custody Issues

The High Cost of Conflict The Basics of the Legal Divorce Dividing the Pie: Spousal Support and Property Division How to Choose an Attorney Making a Paper Trail When You Have to Fight Assume the Impossible Is Possible Don't Underestimate Your Stress Opportunities for Personal Growth

Chapter Seven - Let's Get Real About the Kids

Becoming the Parent You Want to Be Keeping Your Kids Out of the Fray Setting Limits Watching for Signs of Stress in Your Kids Our Teenagers, Ourselves

Chapter Eight - Keeping Yourself Together

Recognizing and Managing Stress
10 Not-So-Hard-and-Fast Rules for Managing Stress Recognizing and Managing Depression Choosing Your Problems Letting Go of Your Problems Don't Go It Alone

Chapter Nine - Birthdays and Holidays

Happy Birthday for All Have a Happy Holiday
10 Tips for Keeping Birthdays and Holidays Sane and Happy

Chapter Ten - Kids, Friends, Dating, and Lovers

The Dating Game: Ready or Not?
Back in the Game Dating and Your Ex Introducing Your New Love to the Kids You're the Boss of You When Your Ex Starts Dating

Chapter Eleven - Taking a Chance on Love Again: Remarriage and Blending Families

Parenting in a Blended Family Make Space for Mourning, and Change Will Happen New Family, New Rituals Dealing with Your Ex About Your Marriage-and Hers Do We Really Have to Talk About This?
Nurturing Your Relationship Nurturing Your Extended Family

Appendix - Divorce and Fathering Resources

Index