How To Be a Better Dad: House Hunting
How To Be a Better Dad is the fatherhood and co-parenting section on SingleDad. Share and exchange great fatherhood advice from our members who are in all stages of fatherhood. In this article we’re going to discuss house hunting.
Dear SingleDad,
I have a 4 year old daughter and recently divorced. Being divorced I need to find another home, but it’s been tough. The town I live in is growing rapidly and most people need roommates due to the high price in rent. Being a single dad is not giving me many options; not a lot of people want to live with a child. I feel like I’ve tried everything. What else can I do? House hunting is causing a lot of stress and disappointment.
-Craig, 33
Your whole situation sounds very stressful: Divorced, house hunting, being a single parent. I’m sorry you and your daughter are going through this, but it sounds like you are doing the best you can. You are not alone either! SingleDad is here to help.
- Judgement
Depending on the age range of people who could be potential roommates, seeing you are a single dad causes some judgement. If they are in their early 20s, in school, with no children they may feel adding a child to the household could create a shift they do not want in their lives right now. That’s completely okay, but you have judgment too. Do you want to live with people who are much younger? In a different place in their lives? It’s nothing personal, after all, it’s important for people to know what they want at home. Think of it as a blessing if you do not receive a response because you are a single father. It simply means that’s not the home life that would work out for any of you.
- Trust The Process
This stress can cause some anxiety and adrenaline to move, move, move! However, rushing and taking anything we can get is not the safest option. It could not work out 3 months down the road then you and your daughter are back to square one. Like I said, people may have their worries about living with a child, but if you know that from the beginning, it saves you all hassle. You know that is not the home for you. Being very careful what environment you bring your child into and doing your research will allow housing options that are meant for you two.
- Family and Friends
If housing is something that is taking a bit longer than you hoped for, that’s okay. Again, trust the process and only move to a place you know is the best option. In the meantime though reach out for help from trusted family and friends. We all need help at times and those who love us are there for us. Staying with family or a friend provides shelter and a safe space for your daughter until the right home comes along.
- Financial Support
Another option in order to not have roommates is to apply for low income housing or some sort of financial help from your city. Some places provide money for a security deposit, utilities, or rent. It’s an option to look into.
Thank you for writing into SingleDad and I wish you the best of luck!
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