What Are the Challenges for Single Fathers?

Divorce is now so common that it gets about as much attention as a sneeze, and more and more parents find themselves essentially raising children on their own. Traditionally it was the mother who ended up as the custodial parent through abandonment, divorce or widowhood, but the modern single parent is often the father. What are the challenges that face a single father?

Single Fatherhood

According to the Census Bureau, up to 16 percent of the single parents in America are fathers. Out of the 1.8 million single fathers, 92 percent work full-time, working an average of 44 hours per week. This alone can present many challenges to full-time parenting.

The Work Challenge

Work schedules present a challenge for all single parents but fathers normally have less flexible job schedules than mothers. Fathers work an average of 44 hours per week, making it difficult to pick up children after school.

Child Support

Child support paid to single fathers is often low, as women on the average still earn less than men (approximately 76 cents on the dollar). In 2008, 36 percent of custodial fathers were awarded child support, compared to 80 percent of single mothers. Interestingly, single fathers received the child support due on a better average than single mothers.

The Gender Challenge

Gender is a great challenge to overcome for many single fathers of daughters. Mothers were little girls at one time so have a built-in knowledge of girl emotions, friendship problems, and physical changes, all of which can leave any father stupefied. Clothing is a definite obstacle as the average man's response to "Does this look good" is an "uhhuh,",but as a single father you have to actually look!

Simple things like taking your daughter to the restroom can be challenging. Some public places now have "family bathrooms" but most still have gender-specific restrooms.

Support Network with other Parents

Fathers have not normally set up a support network at schools with other parents. Building a support system with family and available friends is important for school, after-school and emergencies. Don't be afraid to ask. Talk to your child's teacher to help make connections with other parents. Make a list of everyone you know and work out a system of support.

Attitude is Everything!

The reality of single fatherhood all comes down to one most important thing--attitude. You can look at the challenges and let yourself be overwhelmed, or you can just take each day in stride and remember you are a capable adult who loves his children. With a positive attitude you will eventually work out a system. The system does not have to be the same system someone else has, it only has to work for you and your kids. Trust in yourself!

References

• Census Bureau
• Fathers.com