Navigating the highs and lows of a single father raising two girls on his own

WHEN 48-year-old Tito George became a father to a happy baby girl 15 years ago, he said it was one of the most exciting days of his life. A proud father for the third time, Tito was over the moon when his daughter Angel was born and even more elated by the birth of his second daughter, Odessa, just four years later. But when he and his wife separated—when the girls were just one and five years old—Tito stepped up to the challenge of being a single father.

In the earlier years, he says, things were blissful, although the last decade has brought its fair share of trials. Today, with his daughters, 11-year-old Odessa and 15-year-old Angel, Tito says he’s navigating new waters as they grow older. However, with the support of friends and family, he is proud of the strides he has made as a father, teaching them as many vital life lessons as possible. The next step, he says, is to ensure his girls finish school, receive a solid education and live a life better than he did.

A Tough Start: Lessons from His Own Upbringing

Born and raised in Meadowbrook, Region Four, Tito’s passion for family didn’t happen by chance. Raised as the third child in a family of 13 by a single mother, he developed a strong understanding of commitment and responsibility from an early age. Recounting those years, Tito shared, “My father died when I was five years old. And the older ones, my brothers—as they got older and got wives—they moved away. So, at a young age, I started being on my own. It was not easy and my mother… she had it very tough,” he said.

Although young Tito witnessed his mother’s tireless efforts, he also saw the profound impact her sacrifices had on him and his siblings. “It was hard for my mother. But we did not come out so bad. We don’t steal or interfere with people. My mother always taught us to live in love,” he added.

Stepping up: Navigating single fatherhood

Tito’s journey into single fatherhood is a unique one. When the girls were young, marital differences led to separation from his wife. With their mother having a demanding job, Tito took full responsibility for raising the girls. In his interview with Pepperpot Magazine, he recounted the moment he decided to raise his daughters entirely on his own: “I wanted to be there for my daughters. Most of the time, I did everything for them, even when they were small. And eventually, I was looking after them all by myself.”

Still, he acknowledged that although they separated, both he and the girls maintained a good relationship with their mother. “Their mother still has input in looking after them, and there is still a good relationship between them and their mother,” he said.

Being a committed single father was—and still is—filled with ups and downs. For Tito, there was a major learning curve. Although he had some parenting experience from his two older children, caring full time for two young girls was a whole new ball game. “Learning to look after two small children was not too hard, but it was difficult in the sense that I was alone doing it. I had the other two children before, so I had the experience,” he said.

That prior experience helped, but it didn’t prepare him for everything. Balancing work, school runs, and spending time with his daughters proved to be more demanding than he had anticipated. Describing a typical morning in the George household, Tito shared, “Some days we get up around 4 or 5 o’clock. Because we had to come out of town, we had to leave early before the traffic. I had to go to work and I had to get them to school. So, they used to leave at the same time as me, and they didn’t come back up until the afternoon with me,” he said.

Though hectic, Tito made it his mission to spend meaningful time with his children still. In the midst of long days, he ensured they were equipped with life skills—skills he believes will help them grow into independent young women, capable of caring for themselves. “I teach them to do things for themselves because I think it’s important. I teach them to cook, clean, and take care of themselves. And the most important thing I want them to do is take in their education,” he said.

Still their dad: Advice, faith, and the teenage years

Now, as the girls move deeper into their teenage years, Tito says the challenges have evolved. Childhood scrapes and tantrums have given way to more complex issues. However, he says, this is where family support and the ongoing presence of their mother help keep things balanced. “As they get older, it’s very different. When they were small, it was easier. But now, it’s different. I just continue doing the same things. They know how to take care of themselves, and they have aunts, and their mother too.”

Reflecting on the weight of fatherhood, Tito said honestly, “Raising girl children is hard, it’s not an easy challenge. From my experience, you’ve got to have a lot of faith and a lot of patience. And you’ve got to keep a lot of eyes on them.” His message to other fathers is simple: persistence. “No matter what it is, don’t give up. Challenges will come. Even in your own home you will face things. But they’re your blood. You’ve got them. Don’t let anybody stray away from you. Your children—nobody can love your children like how you love your children.”

And with Father’s Day upon us, Tito and his family serve as a timely reminder of the silent strength, unwavering commitment, and unconditional love that fathers like him pour into their children daily. “No matter how big they get, it’s still your baby,” he shared—a common mantra for any father. And for Tito George, that love and leadership will continue—this Father’s Day, and every day after.