Dad mom can be a hard title to live up to, and there’s no disputing the difficulty of being a single parent. But having a more excellent grasp of the problems experienced by single parents will assist us in better supporting the many people who find themselves in this situation.
Up to 2.6 million families in the U.S. are led by single fathers, although single mothers make up the majority of solo parents. But there is little study on single fathers; instead, many studies contrast paired parents with single mothers.
Single fathers may have a few benefits on their side. Compared to single mothers, single fathers are likelier to live with a cohabiting partner (41 percent versus 16 percent), indicating that they are not constantly living alone.
Difficulties From Society About Being a Single Father
A 2015 assessment of the research found that a lone dad mom typically has better economic, educational, and poverty outcomes than single mothers.
But that doesn’t negate the fact that lone fathers still face difficulties. After all, a large portion of society (still) believes that men are not capable of raising children on their own. Caretakers are typically thought to be women—the caregivers—the guardians of the household and family.
People may therefore conclude that a dad mom is incapable of performing fundamental parenting duties. On the other hand, it may result in the needless celebration of everything a single dad does. It can get tiresome to witness dads being extolled for as simple a feat as grocery shopping with their children as if it were a considerable accomplishment rather than simply living. Yet, in reality, fathers are more than just capable and qualified; they are also loving, caring, and competent.
Tips for Single Fathers
There are numerous ways to become a single parent, including separation and divorce, widowhood, and raising a family on your own. According to 2016 data from the U.S. Census Bureau, among the 2 million single fathers in the country, around 40% were divorced, 38% were never married, 16% were separated, and 6% were widowed. But it doesn’t matter why. Actually, no. What you do with your newly acquired role is what counts. According to a 2013 Pew Research study, “the role of dads has shifted.” And the general public now recognizes their value as caregivers and wage earners.
Whether you are a single father through choice or need, you belong to a group that faces specific difficulties and demands. You’ll have challenges, but you’ll also be able to set the tone for your household by forging close bonds with your kids and depending on your effective parenting techniques to get you through any difficulties.
The Concerns of a Dad Mom
Being a single parent is challenging (for many). Undoubtedly, stigmas and barriers must be overcome for all single parents.According to Matt Grammer, Kentucky Counseling Center’s founder, and CEO, “many single fathers face the stress of not having the luxury of combining parental chores, housework, paying expenses, etc.
Indeed, managing not only the parenting but also the money and logistics of maintaining a family alone is a daily problem for single mothers and single fathers. Other parts of single motherhood might be less expected, but these stresses will likely precede their worries.
Some people may be critical of single parents because they believe two-parent households are ideal. Single fathers may encounter crude, off-the-cuff remarks, such as claims that they are watching the kids. Even formerly helpful family members may now seem like they cannot give their children what they need since they are single.
Logistical issues are a common problem for single parents. There is no spouse to fall back on, and they cannot be in two places simultaneously. Unexpected issues like the absence of changing tables in men’s restrooms or mistrust from bystanders when they are out with their kids could arise.
Challenges Single Parents Face
The American Psychological Association states, “life in a single-parent household can be highly stressful, both the adult and the children.” Single parents are on their own regarding their job, child care, bills, and other aspects of maintaining a family.
They might also be dealing with financial difficulties or a move owing to a recent breakup. In addition, various concerns may be at hand due to divorce or losing a relationship.
Here are 8 common challenges that lone parents may experience include:
- Custody and visitation issues
- The long-term impact of parental disputes
- Difficulties balancing obligations at work and at home
- The psychological effects of death, divorce, or separation
- Dating and starting new relationships-related issues
- Problems with relationships with extended family
- Difficulties with step-parenting or co-parenting
- Pressure from financial obligations
Not only do external pressures exist. Some single parents worry about their readiness to grow and raise children independently since they may need more expertise or role models to turn to.
They could feel overburdened by the weight of feeling exclusively accountable for their children’s happiness and well-being and daily responsibilities like getting them to school on time or paying the bills.
Mental Well-Being of a Single Parent
According to a tiny 2017 study, single fathers were likely to assess their physical and mental well-being as being lower than fathers with partners but similar to single mothers. With this in mind, all single parents must prioritize their physical and psychological well-being.
A genuine worry regarding the research conducted thus far is raised by a review of the single fatherhood studies from 2015. Many studies have focused on which type of parenting arrangement results in the “optimal” outcomes, pitting lone dads against single moms and coupled parents with little benefit.
It would be more advantageous to address the barriers and positives of lone parenthood to support better families led by a single dad mom.
The good news is that a dad mom who decided to parent their children are equally capable of handling the challenges as any other parent. Single dads can succeed by addressing these issues and seeking advice and assistance.
Resources for Single Fathers
Although being a dad mom can be challenging, you don’t have to go it alone.
The services accessible to lone fathers and their kids are plentiful:
- Information is available for single fathers through the National Parent Helpline.
- Fathers are connected to assistance and education through Project Fatherhood.
- The father-child link is encouraged and strengthened by the National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse, or NRFC, which offers, facilitates, and disseminates research and knowledge. Parental guidance is also available on their website’s DadTalk Blog section.
- By addressing many of the obstacles and preconceptions men encounter, the National Fatherhood Project seeks to increase parental engagement.
Finally, numerous support organizations for single fathers are spread around the nation. To find a group in your city, enter your location on Meetup.com. Moreover, single-dad communities can be found on Facebook and other social media. Despite this, more has to be done to support single parents.
The Best Tips for Single Fathers…
While being a dad mom is hard, it isn’t impossible. Single parents can do amazing things with help, hope, and perseverance. But change doesn’t just start from within. Society needs to alter its attitude toward single parents for single fathers to grow into the men they ought to be (and the men their children deserve). Single fathers require help because they are competent.
