Single Dads are No Better than Single Moms

One thing that really bothers me is the chatter I sometimes read or hear about when a single dad receives praise in the media.  It actually bothers me for reasons you might not expect.

Some single moms get a little put off that a single dad has an article written about what a great single father he is, and what an amazing job he does with his kids etc etc.  He is not doing anything I don’t do , she feels.

Guess what? I agree with the single moms who object to this fawning but maybe for different reasons. Oh, don’t get me wrong, I don’t think single moms should be upset about a single dad getting recognition. After all, they usually get  the stories in the media about how difficult their lives have been since that rotten piece of garbage left them and their kids.  In many of these stories this might actually be true.

Before I get the single moms looking to delete my name from every corner of their computer, let me announce loud and clear that SINGLE MOMS DESERVE ALL THE CREDIT THEY RECEIVE AND MORE!!

Here is my beef. Most of the stories being done on single dads are done as if he is some super human unbelieveable man! After all, what a rare breed this is to have a man be a fantastic single father. Bull! Most single dads do an unbelievable job with their kids, pay support, help with their homework, and are a major part of their children’s lives.

Since I have had full custody of my 3 children since 2000, I would often hear, Wow, what an amazing dad you are taking care of all those kids by yourself. People would tell my family what a great dad I was and I deserve so much credit.  At first I was flattered. But as time went on, I realized I was not doing anything different than any single mom would be doing. However, the single mom, although would receive praise, is EXPECTED to be good with their kids. Most times when single moms are talked about, their hardships are often discussed in terms of financial difficulties. Never do you hear, “she does all the food shopping, and takes them to school, and makes their lunches, etc etc.  For some reason people feel like applauding single dads just for being able to butter bread!

I don’t want to get into the custody disputes, or support, or court rooms. I am simply saying, ENOUGH PLEASE!

I resent the fact that a man who happens to be an awesome dad and SINGLE, is not looked at as the norm. It is 2009. Let’s leave the very small percentage of dads who create the misrepresentation, out of the media, and realize that Single Dads as a group ROCK!  I would like the story to be told because he is a single PARENT doing an amazing job. Not focusing on this wonderful man is “gasp” amazing with his kids.

Before I go, I want to end with letting single moms know I also think they ROCK BIG Time!  Isn’t equality a wonderful concept!

I am sure their are different views on this topic. Do you agree? Disagree? Maybe you think I am just being too sensitive.  Share your views but just be gentle .

Related posts:

1. Single Dads and Role of the Victim
2. Reading Single Parent Blogs Could Save Marriages
3. Why Teens Need Dads
4. When are You No Longer a Single Parent?
5. Good Men Step In To Become Dads