Posts Tagged ‘single father’

Single fathers face sexism on a daily basis . It is very hard to raise a child when it seems the whole world is against you . I know single mothers have it hard too , but it is ten times harder for a father because we are not the mother .
I was at fathermag.com and reading an article about how a single father runs into a lot of reverse sexism . Very interesting story . He was saying how even all the forms you have to fill out are geared for the mother . Very true , I run into that all the time .
One case in particular that comes to mind is when I had to renew Jay’s Health Card . They would not renew it until I faxed them a copy of the court order to show I had custody . Everything on the renewal was the same , address and all , but his mother no longer has any say so I put her in as moved . I know a lot of single mothers and they never had to do that .
He was also saying how people were outright rude sometimes . I never got that one and I am glad because I would probably punch someone in the mouth . It helps a lot that I live in the country where everyone knows each other or at least one of your family. Yes they talk but it is usually not to your face , not rudely anyway .
I am sure I am going to run into a lot of problems when Jay starts school . I have had him at some preschool functions and noticed that I was treated a little differently than the mothers . This was in my favour though , they went out of their way a little to make sure we were treated right . I can only hope this continues .
The guy in the story also said he left one doctor because he was so rude . I’m still not sure on that one . Every time I took Jay to the doctor I was always made to feel as if I was wasting their time . I usually get his grandmother to take him and he is always given something , even if it is just a free bottle of tylenol . You tell me if that is sexism or not .
Life is going to be a little different for Jay as well . He is the son of a single father and I am sure that as he gets older this is going to be something that he will be teased about . Probably a lot of mother jokes and the like . He will learn .
The story I am talking about is called “Man of the House” and you can read it for yourself at fathermag.com . It is worth the read .
I hope things get better for single fathers but I know from my own experiences that there is a lot to be done . I also know that it will be done one father at a time and I can only hope a lot more single fathers start blogs so we can laugh at each other .
Did I say laugh ?…I meant support .
Till next time
Ron