We have watched and read about Usher gaining custody of his two kids. As the spotlight is on single parents who are now changing roles of being sole caretaker of their children, I ask you, the community, can the dads get some respect too?
Women as single parents are doing a fine job of taking care of their households and carrying the responsibility of being both mother and father. However, studies have shown that approximately 16 percent of custodial parents are fathers. So why is there little talk or light given to the group of men who are also upholding their households as single parents?
It is those dads who are combing their daughter’s hair before school. It is those fathers you will see at the grocery store buying food for their families. It is that group of daddies that is supporting their children during extra-curricular activities. They are the pops who come home and cook a hot dinner for their children each and every evening.
It is time that we pay homage to the many single fathers who are sole caretakers of their children. They are the backbone of their households and our communities. With so many men turning their backs on their seed, you have many men who will work two jobs and provide for their own like a man is supposed to.
I am not saying that they don’t struggle with keeping the family a unit. However, the men who refuse to give in to the temptation of letting go should be recognized for a job well done.
It is very easy to point the finger in the opposite direction and make note of everything that is wrong. Let’s bring out the fact that there are many dads who did not leave their families. There are even dads who do a better job of parenting than some moms.
Light should be shed upon dads who are the sole caretaker, especially when the children of these households are excelling and doing the right thing, growing up and becoming a pillar of society and not a product of their environment.
We all know that a child has a better advantage of doing well and prospering when there is a stable two-parent household. However, when things happen to prevent a household from being a stable environment, then it becomes necessary for the parents to do what is necessary for the well-being of their children.
To the men who have taken the stand to rear their children alone as fine single parents, hats off to you. To the men who go through the court system fighting for their rights and winning, congratulations. Keep your head up and continue doing what is best for you and your children.Â
