Being a single dad comes with its own set of challenges — late-night homework sessions, learning to braid hair, and figuring out what on earth to do during a first period emergency. But it also comes with moments of deep love, unexpected laughter, and powerful lessons. These dads opened up about the most emotional and awkward moments they’ve faced — stories filled with tears, giggles, and the kind of plot twists only parenthood can bring.

“Every time I would come home, my daughter would ask if I brought her anything. All I could think of was to get her a wooden sword. It never occurred to me that she’d want a doll or a dress.” NeverEnuf*** /

“My daughter just turned 3, but my wife left us over a year ago. I don’t want her to look homeless when we go out, so I try to make her look as nice as I can. But I have such a hard time trying to make her hair look good and put it in a ponytail or pigtails. I wish there was a local class for things like that.” Unknown

“My boss is a single father to three girls. I once asked him why he hired a live-in nanny (me), when he never even had a regular one before. He told me he decided after some girls were causing middle school drama with his oldest (who was only 10) not getting her period yet, and he realized he had no idea how to handle it.

Dealing with girl drama seriously was completely out of his abilities, because he had never had to deal with it and didn’t get what the big deal was, and he knew all three of them would need someone like that.