Single Dad Facts

Many single dads find themselves overwhelmed with their role. If the mother of their children suddenly dies or leaves without warning, the father is left to not only raise children alone but to take on household tasks that they may not have been expecting to fall on their shoulders. Suddenly they find out what it’s like to juggle work, laundry, dishes, cleaning, helping with homework. They learn about trying to shuffle kids to and from day care and needing to take time off from work for sick children.

Asking for help is often even harder for men than it is for women. Many single fathers don’t want to admit they’re having a hard time wearing all these hats. Many are uncomfortable with the nurturing skills that their children are expecting from their dad in the absence of their mom.

Socially, they often feel especially alone. When the other guys at the office plan golf or bowling outings, they may have to admit that they can’t find a babysitter. Single fathers often find that their role isn’t all that common, and many single dads don’t know anyone else in the same shoes. Finding a support system can be challenging at best.

One thing for this group to keep in mind is that they really are not alone, even though it often seems that way. According to www.census.gov, here are some facts:

• The number of single fathers in the U.S. between 1970 and 2000 increased from 393,000 to 2 million

• 10 percent are raising three or more of their own children under 18.

• 45 percent are divorced; 34 percent have never married; 17 percent are married with an absent spouse; and 4 percent are widowed.

• 10 percent are raising their own infants under age 1.

• 22 percent are under 30.

• 5 percent are 55 or over.

• 1 in 6 single parents is a single father

• Approximately 98,000 single dads work at home

It is estimated that more than half of all single fathers are considering working at home, for the same reasons that working moms are driven to work from home: the juggling act. The important thing for single dads to remember is that they are not alone and that if they want to work from home, there are many opportunities out there that can make that dream a reality.

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