That said, it does occur and divorced dads have special challenges. 

Divorced dads have a lot to prove since they will likely take at least half the blame for the break up of the family. If you're a divorced dad, you are also likely to have lost custody of your kids. You're less present for them everyday and need to make the most of your time with your kids. 

Divorced dads should follow all the tips for regular dads, but should be especially attentive to these. 

• Never date or marry any woman who wants to put herself ahead of your kids. It doesn't matter how pretty, sexy, wealthy, intelligent, funny or seemingly caring she is. When you had kids, you made a covenant to put them ahead of everything. When all else fades, your relationship with them will be the strongest love of your life. 
• Never compare siblings. This goes doubly for stepbrothers and sisters. If you compare them for any reason, at almost any age, you give your own children a reason to doubt your love for them. 
• Make twice the effort to be at every game, school play, and birthday. 
• A corollary to #3, move or stay wherever your kids live. Other places may beckon but your place is close to your family. 
• Never discuss your ex-wife. This last might be especially difficult given the circumstances for your divorce. However, no matter how great the joy may be in the moment to say something negative about your ex-spouse, you will gain nothing from it in the long run. If your spouse is as bad as you say, it will be obvious to the kids. If not, they will hold it against you.

Paul Banas, founder of Great Dad.com

http://www.GreatDad.com

Dealing with a divorce that includes children may be the most difficult thing you ever do. Here are some general tips that might help guide you. 

1. Listen carefully. Now is the time to make an extra effort to put down the paper or turn off the TV when the kids want to talk. 
2. Honesty counts. During the divorce, don't make up stories about why 'daddy is away.' Lies, even if you think they will protect the kids, are not a good foundation for the change in your family.
3. Don't' forget about you. If you feel better, you'll be better with your kids during this challenging period. Get lots of exercise and spend time with caring friends and family.
4. Ask your child about friends who have divorced parents. This is a good icebreaker to get them talking and learn their fears and feelings about divorce. Then you can answer them and focus on what's most important to them. 
5. Consider children's books about divorce. You might not have the vocabulary to talk about divorce or find it awkward when it's so personal. Children's books are a good way to open up dialogue with littler children.
6. Don't blame your kids, or let them think in any way that they are to blame. Most kids will feel this anyway. 
7. Be sensitive to your child's vulnerability at this time. Over-sized fears of monsters or robbers are common during this time. Make sure you also reassure your kids that you will always be there to support them and that means home, food, and security. That might seem silly to you, but it is very important for a child who may obsess over things they have heard or imagine about divorce. 
8. Be aware that it's normal for kids to want their parents to get back together again. You may have to hear about this fantasy for many years. Do not indulge the fantasy, but make sure they do not feel ashamed or silly for wishing that it could be true. 
9. Allow your kids to express their feelings. They may be mad or sad. It's important that they know this is okay. 
10. Don't put your child in the middle of anything between you and your ex-wife. Don't ask your child to spy. Don't say hateful things about your ex-wife. Don't have your child act as a messenger to your wife. Neglecting this can be very harmful for the child since they need to love both parents and should not have to choose sides.

Paul Banas, founder of Great Dad.com

http://www.GreatDad.com

http://Twitter.com/PaulMBanas

As a new dad, Paul became very aware that many dads today are more involved in parenting but have limited resources from a man's point of view from which to better understand the challenges of their changing role. Thus, GreatDad.com was born. "While nothing can imitate or replace the special mother/child bond, dads develop incredible relationships with their children, and it is vitally important that they have a place to discuss the parenting process from a male perspective. GreatDad.com enables all dads-working, stay-at-home, single, gay, domestic partners, and more-to find ways to be involved and understand how dads are functioning as parents today. 

 A published author of fictional short stories, he resides in San Francisco with his wife and two children.

Paul Banas, CEO & Founder of GreatDad.com