He Lost Both Parents and His Marriage and Had To Learn How To Be a Single Dad On His Own

Arun became a single dad in 2019 after losing both of his parents and going through a divorce. His daughter went to live with his ex, her side of the family pulled away, and he found himself parenting his son while feeling completely alone. In this episode Arun talks honestly about grief, separation and the shock of seeing his whole life change in a short space of time. He shares how stepping back from his career as an accountant allowed him to focus on his son, including homeschooling him through lockdown and rebuilding their bond day by day. Arun also speaks about the emotional impact of loneliness, learning to be vulnerable, finding support through new friendships and how volunteering became a key part of his healing. He reflects on the cultural views around divorce, the sacrifices he made for fatherhood and what really matters when you are raising a child on your own. This is a grounded and very human look at loss, fatherhood and starting again when life has stripped away what you thought was secure. Themes Losing both parents Divorce and separation Single fatherhood Loneliness and mental health Stepping back from career for fatherhood Volunteering and purpose Cultural views on divorce Vulnerability and support systems Why this episode matters Many men face grief, divorce and single fatherhood in silence. Arun shows what it looks like to prioritise your child, rebuild your life and slowly find purpose again. Chapters 00:00:00 The Only Person Who Genuinely Cares: Opening Reflections on Single Fatherhood 00:00:18 Introduction: Breaking the Silence on Single Fathers of Colour 00:01:34 Loss, Separation, and Starting Over: Arun's Journey Begins 00:02:43 The Dark Days: Loneliness and Learning to Survive 00:03:58 Lockdown and Homeschooling: Finding Connection Through Crisis 00:07:09 The Power of Presence: Walking Hand in Hand to School 00:05:42 Adventures Together: From Dubai to Rome 00:08:36 Becoming a Single Parent: Learning Both Roles 00:10:58 Coping Mechanisms: Throwing Yourself Into the Relationship 00:11:57 Marriage for Life: When Your Identity Shatters 00:13:36 The One Constant: Why Your Child Becomes Everything 00:14:44 You Can't Give Up on Yourself: Finding Strength for Your Children 00:15:58 Breaking Down Vulnerability: Why Men Need to Talk 00:19:05 From Bereavement Client to Volunteer: Turning Pain Into Purpose 00:20:09 Absorbing Pain Like a Sponge: The Challenges of Helping Others 00:21:02 Volunteering at the NHS and Coffee Mornings: Finding Connection Through Service 00:22:49 The Career Sacrifice: Choosing Your Son Over Success 00:23:53 You Only Get This Time Once: The Priceless School Run 00:24:32 Replacing Old Memories with New Ones: The Mindset Shift 00:26:04 Advice for New Single Dads: Cherish Every Moment 00:26:40 The Lonely Evenings: Coping When Your Child Isn't There 00:28:03 Building Your New Life: Volunteer Work and Social Circles 00:29:01 The Stigma Question: Single Dads of Colour in Modern Britain 00:30:13 Indian Culture and Divorce: Times Have Changed 00:32:04 Closing Reflections: Positives, Growth, and Gratitude 🎧 This episode is packed with wisdom, honesty, and inspiration for single parents and anyone navigating life’s challenges. 🔔 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode to support The Dad Project and inspire more fathers to embrace their journey. Follow The Dad Project Instagram: www.instagram.com/thedadprojecthq Facebook: www.facebook.com/thedadprojecthq TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@thedadprojecthq YouTube: @thedadprojecthq X (Twitter): www.x.com/thedadprojecthq LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/the-dad-project #SingleDad #FatherhoodJourney #Parenting #Resilience #CoParenting #TheDadProject #OvercomingChallenges #ParentingTips #FatherhoodAdvice