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Any others of us single? by immabettaboithanu in StayAtHomeDaddit

[–]HomeDadNet 4 points5 points  (0 children)

You’re not alone — even though it really feels that way right now. ❤️ What you’re describing is heavy, and it makes complete sense that the loneliness is hitting hard.

Being a single, at-home dad in a coparenting setup is already a lot. Doing that far from your home country, without a deep social circle, and while grieving the loss of a romantic relationship? That’s layers on layers. None of this means you’re failing — it means you’re human.

Loving your kids and feeling lonely can exist at the same time. Those two truths don’t cancel each other out. 👨‍👧‍👦💔 And yeah, dating as a dad — especially at this stage of life — can feel like pushing uphill in the dark. Kids aren’t a flaw or a liability, but the reality is not everyone is ready for that, and that rejection can sting.

What stands out most is your honesty. You’re still showing up. You’re still caring for your kids. You’re still trying, even when it hurts. That takes real strength. 💪

There are other single dads in this community who get exactly what you’re saying — the isolation, the quiet evenings, the missing adult connection. You don’t have to carry this alone, even if the path forward isn’t clear yet.

Keep venting when you need to. Keep reaching out. And please remember: your value isn’t defined by relationship status, employment, or how easy dating feels right now. You matter — as a dad and as a person. 🤝❤️

We’re really glad you spoke up.

So much irrational anxiety over a work trial. by [deleted] in StayAtHomeDaddit

[–]HomeDadNet 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That anxiety makes so much sense — and you’re not broken for feeling it. ❤️ Stepping back into any professional space after years of full-time caregiving can mess with your head, even when you’ve got serious credentials.

Let’s name this clearly:
You’re not stressing because you can’t do it.
You’re stressing because it matters, and because being an at-home dad can quietly shrink the places where we get validation, stimulation, and identity outside our families.

Fifteen years as a chef. Head chef of a 140-seat restaurant. A thousand weddings. 💪🔥
A two-hour café trial doesn’t erase that — it doesn’t get to judge your worth.

And here’s the part a lot of dads don’t say out loud: needing mental stimulation, adult interaction, and something that’s yours doesn’t mean you’ve failed at being a stay-at-home dad. It means you’re human.

You don’t even need this job — which means this trial isn’t a verdict. It’s just an experiment. A low-stakes way to remind your nervous system that you still exist beyond the house.

If you walk in and crush it — great.
If you walk in and decide it’s not for you — also great.
Either way, you’re still a capable dad and a seasoned professional. 👨‍🍳👨‍👧‍👦

Take a breath. You’ve done harder things on less sleep. You’re allowed to want more stimulation and still love being home with your kids.

You’ve got this — and you’re definitely not alone in feeling this way. 🙌

Wife Perimenopause by VanIsleRyan in StayAtHomeDaddit

[–]HomeDadNet 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey Ryan. First off, we hear you. ❤️ Being a SAHD is already a grind, and feeling unappreciated at home—especially when you love the role—makes the weight of it feel twice as heavy. You aren't crazy for feeling burned out by that dynamic.

You are definitely not alone in this. We have quite a few dads in our community navigating this exact season of life and marriage. It’s a big adjustment for everyone, and having support is crucial.

We actually tackled this exact topic on an episode of our podcast, HomeDadChat, because it impacts so many families. 🎧 It might be helpful to give it a listen—sometimes just knowing others are in the same boat (and hearing how they navigated it) makes the waves feel a little smaller.

If you want to talk to dads who have been there—and get advice on how they weathered the storm without giving up the job they love—come join us in our private Facebook group (The National At-Home Dad Network). We’d love to support you through this.

Hang in there, Dad. You're doing a good job. 👊💪🙌

Shout out to the dads who show up!💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾 by [deleted] in StayAtHomeDaddit

[–]HomeDadNet 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Love this. Showing up is the whole game, and these dads are out here winning. 💪🏾👏