Being a Single Parent ( Archived) (325)

I became a single dad at 18yrs old. Now I'm 31. I've been raising my 13yr old daughter since she was a baby. I went through a similar situation with my daughters mom. After she gave birth, she decided not to take on the responsability of being a good mother. When the situation went to the courts, custody was taken away from her. My daughter was in a situation of being put in a foster home. I would NOT let that happen! I went to court and was awarded custody. I was only 18, but I manned up even though I knew life was gonna change dramaticly. I still finished school, went to college, and secured a decent place to live and raise her. I don't feel like i've been cheated or tied down making the decisions I have. It was not easy, infact its only gonna get harder as she is going through her teen years.. Shes starting to get into boys, and thats enough to drive me crazy!! LOL. Anyway, despite everything I would not change anything for the world!! My daughter is my best friend and she helped make the strong and indipendent person i am. As far as dating goes, I'm new to this online scene so I am reluctant to mention I have a kid. However, I know once I break the ice and start talking to someone, my daughter wont be an issue. And if it is, then obviously the woman is not for me. I would never look for my girlfiend to replace her mother. But I come in a 2 person package. And whats inside is AWESOME!!!