Single Fathers-Not Enough Respect?

[DC]

Single dads have been increasing in numbers due to increase in divorce rates over the past decades, and other unfortunate occurrences with the family unit. However, the respect and appreciation they deserve from society, personally, I don't think its enough. Someone may think otherwise?

I was in a conversation with two fathers this past week, and from the conversation I wondered-Are we to blame, as a society, for the way we tend to dismiss or downplay the role of the single father? I am not undermining the single mother-God forbid-, but single dads seem to find it difficult in finding the resources they need, they are misjudged in theor parenting skills because they are 'male', and why isn't there a 'baby changer table' in the male bathrooms? etc. etc. etc. Just some things mentioned in that conversation.

I personally know a couple of single dads, and they are amazing!

Any thoughts?

<span style="font-style: italic">Oh And I am talking about men who take the time out to be fathers.</span>

[Stormmey]

Re: Single Fathers-Not Enough Respect?

I only know of one Single Dad and know that he is struggling to cope. We grew up together High School/University I have no doubt that he loves his daughter but from my observation he feels overwhelmed and really cannot cope.

His immediate family does not play a big role with his daughter and my observation is they could not care less. More like a we told you not to marry her so you on your own.

His problem is not financial it's just basically tending to her emotial needs, sometimes I think he resents having to take her to day care, pick her up, thinking his life is over because of these things he has to do.

He is twentysix, got married cause girlfriend got pregnant, after marriage she stuck round until babygirl was nine months old then just up and left for Vancouver.

He does the best he can but absolutely no parenting skills me thinks, (I suggested he enrol in some parenting classes) says he has no time for that he has to work. He also seems to feel that parenting/maternal skills are something that women are born with. I know that is not true I have none maternal that is.

Anyway, more time I feel sympathy and empathy for him as he just cannot cope. Sometime I pick up the little girl and take her over to my step granmere on the weekends and she keeps her for a day or so. Step granmere suggested this.

I am watching this post closely for more insight so I can make suggestions him. Lord him stubborn dont know if he will take it.

[twiney]

Re: Single Fathers-Not Enough Respect?

Stormmy for your friend
Resources for Single dads

[Stormmey]

Re: Single Fathers-Not Enough Respect?

Twiny good read and some helpful suggestion. I have printed off and will give to him and hopefully we will put some of the stuff suggested to practice.

[jah_yout]

Re: Single Fathers-Not Enough Respect?

you woulda thought they didn't exist

the way how the media bashes men...
respect to all the single dads...i know a couple

[Wahalla]

Re: Single Fathers-Not Enough Respect?

my brother in law was a single dad.. I am not his biggest fan but he was a hell of a father... He would hhave done anything for his son... He is a great fatehr..


He may not be the sharpest pencil in the pack but he did what ever was needed.. HE is crap at picking parnter. When he was raising the son he went and married a lady beneath him..For a self less man who earned his living the hard way he married a self centered woman with an over inflated opnion of her beauty, inteligence. No appriciations of the limitation of resources...