It is already a given fact that single parent families often face several pressures and problems that two-parent families don't usually experience. In fact, life in a single parent household can be pretty nerve-racking for both the parent and the children.
Today, life in a single parent household has become quite more common but single parent families are no longer just headed by mothers. Some are headed by fathers or a grandparent who took the responsibility to take care and raised his or her grandchildren, American Psychological Association notes.
In an era where gender equality gap and feminism are rampant, men are often seen as villains in failed marriages and relationships while moms or women often emerged as victims or heroines. But did you ever wonder what it would be like for a single or divorced father after a failed marriage?
This article will give you a glimpse of a father's personal journey and realizations as he finds the perfect answer to his ex-wife's question - "You never really wanted a family, did you?" It may not be a new story but it will definitely give some insights on divorce, parenting and second chances.
Connection Is Never Enough
In a Yahoo! Beauty article, a single dad made an admission on what he learned about his failed marriage and that is - connection can never be enough for a long lasting relationship. The writer admitted his assumptions that connection was enough and couples don't need to agree on everything but he was wrong.
The couple lost their connection, only finding solace in their support network of friends. Eventually, one started losing interest while the other felt threatened, resulting in the inevitable divorce process.
Having A Child Changes Your Life
The writer admitted that he wanted to make his wife happy, so they decided to have a baby. Unfortunately, he later realized that having a child does not only changes one's life but it can place substantial stress on a relationship.
"People tell you that having a child will change your life," the writer said in his article. "But words are shallow, and you can't really know the depth of what they mean unless you've tried it."
There were no longer long and uninterrupted conversations, shared adventures or mutually creative collaboration plans. Sadly, the circumstances led the writer to realize that he and his wife didn't have much in common.
The Joys Of Fatherhood
Despite the challenges the writer faced, not to mention the hardships of a divorce proceeding, he was able to realize that getting out from his lonely marital life was the best decision he ever made for his son. He also discovered that he and his ex-wife were better off as friends but the best thing of all was able to realize how he wanted to be a good father to his son.
In spite of the struggles by making his son a priority, the writer realized that there's no official rulebook when it comes to being a dad. Due to his realizations, he shared some fatherhood advice - practicing being a dad the way you want it to be and not beating yourself up when your fatherhood tactics failed.
A Family Needs Room To Breathe And Grow
The writer's greatest realization, however, was the fact that a "family needs room to breathe and grow." As for love life lessons, finding an authentic connection is essential but it is sometimes not enough.
It is also unrealistic to find a single person to meet all of your needs and standards. But remember, a relationship can last if couples are able to keep a balance between trust and security.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's Poignant Tribute To His Single Dad Bruce
In other related news about single fathers, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull recently released a poignant tribute to his late father, Bruce Turnbull, single dad. According to Sky News, the prime minister attributed his "feminist" perspective to his dad who died in a plane crash three decades ago.
What are your thoughts about the father's personal journey and realizations of life after divorce? Sound off below and follow Parent Herald for more news and updates.
