By Alma Gill
Dear Alma,
I’m a single dad who recently relocated with my job. I’m raising my 11-year-old daughter alone. Her mom passed away 4 years ago. After my wife passed, I decided to focus on my daughter and do my best to raise her alone. I meet and date women but none of them seem to understand I am not interested in getting married. They all think my daughter needs a mother. I don’t have a problem with that, because I know that’s my decision to make. I’m aware there are some things she needs to learn from a woman, but my question is, are there any programs offered to girls to need support from women? Please don’t say the church, been there done that.
Raymond W.
Hi Raymond,
Please accept my sincerest condolences to you and your sweet daughter. I appreciate your emailing me. That warms my heart. I think this situation is much easier to resolve than you think. Yes indeed, there are some organizations you can explore for your daughter. Of course the Girl Scouts is what first comes to mind. May I suggest along with checking out various organizations, that you talk to her and find out what she’s interested in. Does she like to dance or play a sport? Once the two of you figure that out, get her involved. If she’s participating in something that she loves, she’ll make friends quickly and begin to open those doors of communication. Unlike boys, girls talk to each other about everything. Once she finds her favorite BFF, she’ll be fine.
Ok, I’ll stay away from mentioning the church as a resource, LOL. I hear you without speaking a word about that one, LOL. You can also check out local sorority chapters. They usually offer mentoring sessions during the school year as well as summer programs. I participated in The Delta Teen Lift Program as a preteen; Google and see where they are in your area. It’s sponsored by Delta Theta Sorority, Inc.
Don’t worry Daddy, you’re on the right track.The unconditional love you have for your daughter is really all she’ll need. The love, support and guidance she receives from you will propel her to reach for the moon while she’s dancing with the stars.
Alma
Single Dad Needs Help Alma Gill’s newsroom experience spans more than 25 years, including various roles at USA Today, Newsday and the Washington Post. Email questions to: alwaysaskalma@gmail.com. Follow her on Facebook at “Ask Alma” and twitter @almaaskalma.
