Although divorced dads may identify with this most easily, every dad faces relationship barriers of some kind, and all dads can benefit from being reminded about a few simple truths.

ClarkDaveColorIt seems every day that I hear from a man who is divorced or going through the court process. As I sit and listen I am overwhelmed at the magnitude of the emotions I hear expressed — either in complete sadness or a lot of anger. I have learned not to judge if I am hearing pain, anger, disappointment or whatever term a counselor would like to place on the words. In my years of listening and drinking a lot of coffee at a local coffee shop I think I hear mainly pain. It may come out in harsh and bitter words called anger, but I think the seed within the soul might be called pain. The conversation usually involves talk about an affair (on either side). After you listen to the aches, pains and devastation, the discussion is then about the kids.