DEAR AMY: I am a 39-year-old divorced father of 3-year-old twins. I have them 50 percent of the time. I cherish being a parent, but I struggle with finding time for me. I feel really alone. I don't work in a traditional office, and the weeks I don't have my boys, I am on the road doing my best to provide for our future. I am in sales, so I don't have any issues with talking to new people, but I'm challenged to translate this into my life as a single dad. I work from my house, so I don't have an office to interact with other adults. I've been told that it will be easy to meet a woman at the park, library and at the grocery store, but how does one wrangle toddlers and meet somebody new? When I have my kids, it's 100 percent about them. I don't want to go on a dating site. I miss having that person I can call to talk about my day. I have tremendously rewarding experiences with my boys. It would be nice to share those with somebody else. --Rudderless Father 
 DEAR FATHER: My prescription is that before you find a woman, you should have more dads in your life. According to census data, in 2010 about 20 percent of fathers with children under 5 took care of the kids at home. Job losses account for some of this statistic, but so does personal choice. 
 Search for listings for father's groups in your area or use your sales and marketing skills to try to form one (check out the site athomedads.org). 
 Having a supportive group of friends will take the edge off your loneliness. 
 Also reassess where you live. I assume you need to live close to the kids' mother, but even switching neighborhoods could bring you in proximity to more at-home parents, which translates into more encounters, more conversations and more friendships. 
 Enroll the kids in preschool this fall. The moms at school will be thrilled to find a devoted single dad in their midst. They'll hook you up with other dads -- and dates.

DEAR AMY: I am a 39-year-old divorced father of 3-year-old twins. I have them 50 percent of the time. I cherish being a parent, but I struggle with finding time for me. I feel really alone. I don't work in a traditional office, and the weeks I don't have my boys, I am on the road doing my best to provide for our future. I am in sales, so I don't have any issues with talking to new people, but I'm challenged to translate this into my life as a single dad. I work from my house, so I don't have an office to interact with other adults. I've been told that it will be easy to meet a woman at the park, library and at the grocery store, but how does one wrangle toddlers and meet somebody new? When I have my kids, it's 100 percent about them. I don't want to go on a dating site. I miss having that person I can call to talk about my day. I have tremendously rewarding experiences with my boys. It would be nice to share those with somebody else. --Rudderless Father DEAR FATHER: My prescription is that before you find a woman, you should have more dads in your life. According to census data, in 2010 about 20 percent of fathers with children under 5 took care of the kids at home. Job losses account for some of this statistic, but so does personal choice. Search for listings for father's groups in your area or use your sales and marketing skills to try to form one (check out the site athomedads.org). Having a supportive group of friends will take the edge off your loneliness. Also reassess where you live. I assume you need to live close to the kids' mother, but even switching neighborhoods could bring you in proximity to more at-home parents, which translates into more encounters, more conversations and more friendships. Enroll the kids in preschool this fall. The moms at school will be thrilled to find a devoted single dad in their midst. They'll hook you up with other dads -- and dates.

News

LSAMY27

Single dad struggles with loneliness

Newsday

Homepage Trending

Halloween events on LI

Deported: Immigration on LI

Wallet Watch

Working moms

NEWSDAY TV SHORTS

Vertical videos

NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano has your look at what to know ahead of the 2026 Oyster Festival.

What to expect at this year's Oyster Fest

Billy Joel will be auctioning off more than 70 motorcycles at Gooding Christie's in Manhattan next month. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger got a sneak peek at three.

A sneak peek of Billy Joel's motorcycles going to auction next month

Marine life experts said two juvenile humpback whales became stuck due to sandbars created in last month's nor'easter. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa has more.

2 whales stranded on LI

The firefighter says her free speech rights were violated. The case demonstrates the depths of the divisiveness of politics in America today. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

LI fire department removes volunteer after Facebook comment about ICE

The Mineola High School marching band and wind ensemble have been invited to perform at London's New Year's Parade in 2028. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie has more.

LI High School marching band to perform in London New Year’s Parade

NewsdayTV's Doug Geed heads to Seven Ponds Orchard in Water Mill where you can pick crisp apples, gather garden-fresh veggies, and let the kids burn off some energy at one of the island's largest playgrounds.

Out East: Seven Ponds Orchard

NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano visits Das Biergarten in Long Beach.

It's Oktoberfest every day at this Long Beach restaurant

Stuart Cameron, now the chief of the Old Westbury Police Department, said "The Long Watch" began as an attempt to share his experiences during 40-plus years in law enforcement with his children and grandchildren.

Chief Stuart Cameron talks new book 'The Long Watch' and Gilgo investigation

NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa visits Bisqo in Hicksville to try the Miso Overload, a Dubai-inspired creation which combines a frappe with a slice of tiramisu.

 Trendy Bites: Have your frappe with a slice of tiramisu on top

NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano tries a crafty coffee at The Caffeinated Bunny in Melville.

Coffee cart opens at Melville flower shop

<a href="https://www.newsday.com/video/newsdaytv-top-stories">Get more on these and other NewsdayTV stories</a>

Newsday TV

NewsdayTV Top Item

Gregg Sarra sounds off on the Northport and Half Hollow Hills East matchup, plus Tess Ferguson has an update on the high school fantasy football standings and Jared Vailuzzi has the plays of the week.

Sarra Sounds Off, Season 3, Ep 3: Top football teams in action, fantasy update and plays of the week

News - megaslot

Newsday has the most up-to-date stories on Long Island & NTC. Join us & stay current with news articles on sports, business, health, technology & more.

Stay logged in.