Single Parents | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Relationships

Single Dads Deserve Just As Much Credit As Single Moms

You always hear about strong single moms. What about the single dads?

255
Single Dads Deserve Just As Much Credit As Single Moms
Reagan Robinson

In This Article:

Let me start this off with a disclaimer: I don't think moms shouldn't get credit for playing both the mom and dad role. It's just I have often read about it in the media. I don't think I have ever read something about single dads playing both the dad and mom role.

My dad played both roles and he did it really well, and he deserves credit for that.

For some reason, there's this stereotype that dads are only there to be breadwinners in the family and shouldn't have to actually do anything for the house or children if the mom can do it. As a result, I have read posts applauding men for doing something in their family that should have been expected - however, these men are awarded for it. Again, moms and dads, grandparents, and guardians should receive thanks for what they do for us, but there's a fine line of what should be expected and what goes above and beyond.

My dad passes that line into what goes above and beyond.

My parents divorced in June 2005, and the judge refused to give my dad custody of me twice. It wasn't until the third time that he was given custody. Not because my dad was unfit to take care of four-year-old me, but because Alabama has a stereotype that women are the only ones fit to take care of children. Thus, the judge wanted to give my mom custody of me. My mom was unemployed and living with her parents as she attempted to gather herself again. My dad was employed full-time and had his own house and car. Yet the judge refused twice because he was a male and how would a man know anything about raising a daughter?

Well, Mr. Judge, I have something to tell you. You were wrong.

My dad has done a damn good job.

He raised a strong, independent, outspoken daughter going to school for marine biology. And I'm not afraid to tell anyone that. If it weren't for my dad, I don't think I would be where I am.

My dad was the one who walked me into my first day of school. He was the one who bought me my first four-wheeler. He was the one who picked me up after falling off my bike the first time. He was the one who worked 60 to 80 hours weeks where we could keep a house, a car, my dogs, and food on the table. He was the one who bought me my first pack of pads. He was the one who gave me the sex talk. He was the one who took me to my doctor appointments. He was the one who encouraged me to apply for the International Baccalaureate and EPIC program for high school. He was the one who wrote the check out every year for me to be in the International Baccalaureate program in high school. He was the one to buy my first car. He was the one to help me get my first job. He was the one to help me with my college applications. He is helping me buy my second car. He still continues to help me from two hundred miles away. He was the one who has done everything for me because my mom was only there every once in a while.

And when I hear girls say their mom is their best friend, I get a little jealous because I didn't have that growing up, but then I remember that my dad is my best friend.

My dad has always been there to support me, to pick me up when I fall, and to push me in the direction I need to go to be successful. And while my mom is around now and my dad has remarried, my dad continues to play the mom and dad role perfectly, because that's all he knows, and he's perfect at it.

So this is a big thank you to my single dad who played the dad and mom role. A big thank you to my dad who could have run away when he was suddenly faced with raising a little girl by himself but he didn't. A big thank you to my dad who I owe everything to and will never be able to repay. The biggest thank you to my biggest role model. I love you.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

2541
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

17065
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

3662
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments