In early 2015, Richard Johnson’s daughter Persephone was born. The 21-year-old father was happy. But a month later, his wife and child left unexpectedly.
Soon the young mother called and said that if Richard did not pick up the baby quickly, she would give the baby to a foster family. Richard took the ticket and flew straight out to pick up his daughter. The man attributes his wife’s sudden departure and her nervous state to postpartum depression.
Finding himself with a newborn in his arms, Richard was worried whether he could take care of his daughter alone. He searched the internet for fathering advice and found the Life of Dad group on Facebook. He realised he was not alone, and there were other single fathers out there.
Richard shared his story with the group. “I was nervous and scared of being a father even before my daughter was born, and now I’m a single dad and have to play two roles. I wasn’t sure I could cope,” Richard wrote. “I’ve read tons of parenting books and watched over 1,000 hours of YouTube videos, from braiding braids and painting nails to theories on how to deal with common parenting problems,” the young father said.
The group members helped Richard to gain confidence. Friends now turn to Richard for parenting advice. “My daughter and I have been through difficulties and I am grateful to the members of this page for their support. My daughter and I are happy and growing together,” Richard wrote.
