Ian co-parents his sons with his ex-wife. He lives in Dublin and is the primary carer for his dad who has Alzheimer’s.

1. How long have you been a frolo?

I became a single parent nearly two years ago.

2. Tell us a bit about your frolo family.

I’ve two sons. Beau will be 13 in July and Boon is 15 months younger than his brother.

3. How do you manage a work-life balance as a single parent?

Myself and my ex co-parent our sons. Although, at the moment, they’re staying with her full time as I’m primary carer for my father who has Alzheimer’s.

4. What do you like to do with your kids?

We love to travel. We’ve been skiing twice and taken two great road trips around California and Nevada.

5. What do you like about the Frolo community?

Being able to connect with people who’ve been through the same experiences.

6. Describe parenthood in three words.

One beautiful adventure.

7. What advice would you give your younger self?

Do it exactly the same again!

8. Best parenting advice you’ve ever received?

Behave as parents how you want your children to behave as children.

9. Who or what is your greatest love?

My sons.

10. Where is your happy place?

Lying in bed with my sons cuddling them both.

11. Is there a book you’d like to recommend to other frolos? A podcast?

How To Fall Apart by Liadan Hynes is a great podcast.

12. What is your motto/mantra for life?

I am safe. I have enough. I have value.

13. What is your greatest achievement?

Raising two kind and gentle young boys.

14. Any regrets?

None.

15. Biggest life lesson?

Nothing is forever and relationships have to be worked on. If you don’t grow together, you grow apart.

16. Last time you laughed hard?

Yesterday with my Dad. He was trying to remember a prayer that his parents used to say every day throughout his life. He gave up and, with a wry grin, said it wasn’t one of his favourites!

17. Last time you cried?

Two weeks ago. A friend called me at 3am to say her brother had just died suddenly from a heart attack. He was 54 and left behind two 18-year-old twin boys in their final year at school.

18. What song would you add to the Frolo playlist?

Alanis Morissette – Guardian. It’s a promise to her young son to protect him for life. I posted it on the Frolo feed!

19. What advice would you give to someone just starting out on their single parent journey?

In one year’s time you will be ok – things will improve.

20. What have you learned about yourself through being a single parent?

I’ve learned that I’m stronger apart than I was when I was in my marriage.

Thanks for answering our Frolo Questions Ian!

Enjoyed Ian’s story? Read about Graham’s co-parenting story here.

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