Being A Single Father

The topic is about males who spent or are ready to spend their lives being “Single Fathers”. Instead of being a single mom, being a single father is very hard. It’s not in the sense of the difference between males and females. But yes, naturally, females have much more potential to deal with children. So a lot of hurdles and complexities are being a father who can come to both father and kids, with the help of strong willpower. As well as learning new skills, it could be overcome and finally get the best father award.

Patience

I am starting my article with the word “Patience”. The topic is very important because this word plays a vital role in fulfilling the responsibilities of a single parent. However, patience is very important in every relationship. Here is something different because you have to face a baby or kid. Who can never understand right or wrong even if you try to convince them with your long speeches? So patience is the first step to becoming a good father.

Emotional Down being a single father

In the beginning, whatever the situation pushes you into the status of a single parent, it is very emotional. Either it could be the reason for separation, death of your partner, divorce, or anything else. But definitely, it brings you down. While going through this type of trauma, you must be very careful with your babies or kids. Who never understands at the moment what happened? It is not about forgetting the loss. But yes, for a while, put behind your matter and give priority to your kids. Start planning for how you manage everything. As a single father, how can you manage with a babysitter during your work time? Or will you choose a babysitting school with a convenient pick-and-drop?

Baby Sitting by being a single father

Being a single parent is a full-time job. So we need someone who can look after the babies or kids during work time. Now a day, it’s very much common. It’s easily available, but you have to choose the best one. The responsibility of a single father is not finished yet to just hire a babysitter for 10 to 12 hours. You have to supervise all the even at work time. With the help of new technology, you can supervise while far from home. Install the CCTV cameras at every corner of the home and attach them to your mobile. Never allow your kids alone with strangers.

Babysitting is not about forgetting your responsibilities towards your children for 10 to 12 hours. Many observations have come to the notice that children suffer too much due to the negligence of babysitters. The babysitter is not like the parents. Baby sitter is just fulfilling his/her job time to get a salary. So make sure, despite relying on a babysitter, you completely give your best supervision if you choose the babysitting services at your home. Then follow the precautionary measures by installing the CCTV camera. Never forget the supervision via mobile or any other gadgets. Suppose you are taking services from some babysitting center. Then pay them with surprise visits to find out their commitments towards your children or not.

Tough Responsibility Of Single Father

There are no two opinions on this topic; single parenting regarding fathers is very much a tough job. But yes, it is proven by research that this tough responsibility done by several people is like a challenge at the same time when you have to be the father and mother of your children. This means a lot and is a very serious chapter. But it deals with mental and physical stress as well. There is nothing impossible in this world. But it needs to be determined that I will have to finish the job and that’s all. Your mind is your best motivational friend, which keeps you alive with your responsibilities. Once you decide it’s not impossible, it will have been done at the same moment, no matter how tough it is.

“Single father were found to be more confident of their parenting ability and to feel they had a better parent-child relationship then did single mother. (Fricke,1982)

Some of The Hard Facts About the American Single Father

Indeed, in some aspects, there is a difference in the mindset of Americans and other people because of social norms and culture. Here are some hard facts about specifically of single fathers status people in America:

Several Single Fathers: 

According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s report in 2020, there were approximately 2.18 million single fathers in the United States who were living with at least one of their children under the age of 18. So that’s why it does not seem deficient in the American culture to be in the parent’s single status.

Single-Father Households

Single-father households represent about 15% of all single-parent households in the United States of America. While single mothers are more prevalent, the number of single fathers has steadily increased.

Custodial Arrangements

 Single fathers can have various custodial arrangements. Some have full custody of their children, while others share custody with the child’s mother or have visitation rights. The contracts can vary based on individual circumstances, such as divorce, separation, or the death of a spouse.

Employment Challenges

Single fathers face challenges balancing work and parenting responsibilities. Many single fathers work full-time to support their families financially, and they may require flexible work arrangements or assistance with child care.

Financial Support & Responsibilities

Single fathers often face financial responsibilities and may be responsible for child support payments or other financial obligations related to their children’s upbringing. Some may also be eligible for government assistance programs to support their families.

Diverse Backgrounds

 Single fathers in America come from diverse backgrounds, including different ethnicities, races, religions, and socioeconomic statuses. There is no singular “typical” single father, as their experiences and circumstances vary widely.

Parenting Roles & Responsibilities

Single fathers are responsible for fulfilling parental roles—providing emotional support, guidance, and discipline and fulfilling practical responsibilities such as cooking, cleaning, and managing household tasks.

Support Networks Support

Single fathers often rely on support networks such as family, friends, and community organizations to help them navigate the challenges of single parenthood. These networks can provide emotional support, practical assistance, and resources.

Deal With Mental Health

Single fathers may face unique mental health challenges, including loneliness, stress, and the pressure to fulfill multiple roles. Single fathers need to prioritize self-care and seek support when needed.

Positive Impact On Children’s Lives

 Despite the challenges, single fathers can have a profoundly positive impact on their children’s lives. Research suggests that children raised by involved and supportive single fathers can thrive emotionally, academically, and socially.

It’s important to remember that these facts are briefly explained here as a general overview only. However, the experiences of single fathers can vary significantly based on individual circumstances and the support systems available to them.

Conclusion

We just want to show some reality check that usually in our American society only talks about the hardship of single mothers. But there is another chapter of this book where there is a single father. And the fact is that more than 30% percent of fathers do this kind of hard job. We are taking it as a hard job because male nature is not friendly with this type of work, but it’s a big sacrifice when a father molds his nature for his children. Big respect for the single father as a hero.