"I'm Always so Tired of Seeing Articles about Single Moms" 

I'm always so tired of seeing articles about single moms.

Bedtime Stories: Adventures in the Land of Single-Fatherhood officially comes out on Feb. 5. I’m going to give away four copies — to two single moms and two single dads — who comment here in the next week.

Single dads: I’ll make it real easy on you, just show up here and introduce yourselves. How did you become a single dad? How’s it going, raising your kids solo?

Single Moms: Thank you to those who have commented already:

LadyFox says, “Where are all these single dads? They are certainly not where I live! lol”

Jessica says, “Some of us are even looking for you to date because you know what it is all about…The kids!”

Speak up Single Moms: What would you like to say to these Single Dads?

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This is an Open Letter to the Single Dads who responded to my article today at MSN.com about “Surving and Thriving as a Single Mom:

Thank you to the men, like “A Single Dad,” who said:

“I am always so tired of seeing articles about single moms. I am a single father raising a daughter alone. I never see articles about dads doing this and the issues that they have. How about some equal time!”

Since day one of single motherhood, I’ve reached out to single parents: moms and dads. At first, it was selfish on my part. I wanted someone to talk to. Maybe it’s because women, in general, are very emotional and open, but it was easy to find other single moms, like me.

All along, however, I’ve tried to connect with single dads. I’m not trying to ignore you. I’m not trying to segregate you.

“Steven Charles” asked:

“Where are the tips and articles about single fathers? I see all these self help pieces about single moms… but nothing about fathers. Does anybody really think that the issues I face as a single father of four are any different than those of a woman?”

Steven, I encourage you to write an article about what it’s like to be a single dad. I’d love to read it. Start with a Letter to the Editor, or a comment on a blog. Go for it.

“Yanagidad” was clearly upset, too:

“As much as we, as a society, may not fully recognize the role men play in our children’s lives — we do play a significant part…I’d like to see the day when articles such as the one listed on MSN today become less gender bias and focus on the single PARENT.”

Why don’t you start a blog, too? I’ll add you to my blogroll.

“Seattle Single Dad” wrote a beautiful post about raising his son solo… but he was mad, too:

“I find it offensive that men are left out of most single parent conversations, support groups and research. When will it be recognized that many fathers have stepped up and are being responsible parents for their sons and daughters?”

Seattle Single Dad, round up the single dads you know, get them talking. I’d love to hear what you have to say.

There are single dads out there who blog, like:

• Day in the Life of a Single Father
• Trey Ellis
• Jorge Fitz-Gibbon
• Dissonance

Single dads, why don’t you join in?

Thank you to the thoughtful single dads, like “ewager3,” who said:

“I am also a single father. I have two girls, 14 and 12. This is the most challenging times of my life. I think the toughest part is you want to be successful. I think anyone can raise children, but to raise them successfully is the challenge… I think fathers are raised to be providers rather than nurturers. When you are a single dad of girls, you need to train yourself to become more emotionally balanced….I love that them more than anything and I believe they know I am doing the best I can.”

With warmth to all of you,

Rachel

Single Moms: What would you like to say to these Single Dads?

P.S. I have reported the vitriolic comments from “Anti America” as abuse. I hope the site takes them down. As one single mom wrote in: “You obviously hate women. I would cringe to be in the same room with you.”

Photo courtesy of Alphao