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Single Fathers should get more exposure By Mel


Father! - To God himself we cannot give a holier name by William Wordsworth is such a powerful quote.  I would like to say single and non-residential fathers are portrayed in the media as irresponsible and non-supportive to their kids.  Well, I’m here to share with you through some research that it is not entirely true.  Even though single and non-residential fathers as a whole are an understudied group there’s still some truth that single and supportive non-residential fathers do exist.  Some fathers are working 2 part-time jobs and are unable to get government assistance.  The media rarely report positive fathers working 7 days a week with no days off, struggling paycheck to paycheck.   For myself as a non-residential father, I still support my daughter in every aspect, however the role of a father is never recognize or acknowledge for my continuous involvement. 

·         A Non-residential Father is a parent who does not live in the same household as his child. A non-resident father may be divorced, separated or never-married to the child’s mother.

 
·         A Single Father usually refers to a parent who has most of the day to day responsibilities in the raising of the child or children, which would categorize them as the dominant caregiver.

The economic crisis has a huge effect on single and non-residential fathers.  An article done by Pamela Paul of Parenting, Inc. in July/August 2010 issue titled “Are Fathers Necessary?” explains, “Some of the financial struggles fathers go through. Within that article, he interviewed Darren Henderson who was making $33 per hour laying sheet metal, until the real-estate crisis hit and he lost his job.  It was a domino effect which caused him to lose his duplex, then his car.  And then he fell behind on his child-support payments.” His daughter’s mother labeled him a dead beat dad even though he is doing everything necessary to take care of his child.  He just signed up for food stamps, which is just about the only social welfare program he was able to get.  Darren is there for this child emotionally providing good morals and values yet the system is not supportive.  Single and Non-residential fathers should get more support and recognition.    

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