While friends are posting photos and giving heartfelt messages to their fathers on social media in celebration of Father’s day, single moms and their children can’t help but feel a mix of emotions during that one Sunday of every year.
Do single mothers and their children have their own way of celebrating it or do they just try to ignore it? More importantly, how does this day of celebrating fathers make them feel?
Some children may choose to greet their moms a “Happy Father’s Day” as their mothers take on the breadwinner role of the family, serving as both their dad and their mom. Some single mothers may choose to ignore the day completely because it evokes feelings of sadness and anger.
While single mothers are commendable for their hard work and juggling of gender roles, they shouldn’t take away the value of Father’s Day just because a father is absent from their lives.
Children should be taught to value their uncles, grandfathers, and other male role models in the family. They should recognize that these male role models have a hand in influencing the lives of their children.
Fathers and fatherhood are irreplaceable. Regardless if the dad was never in the picture or if you are divorced, it is important for children to respect fatherhood. Sons should be taught to respect women and recognize the value of fatherhood. Daughters should be taught that not all men leave.
The concept of “broken” families should be broken. Single moms should foster an environment of love and warmth intead of hate and abandonment.
To all fathers – biological, foster, absent, and the like – a happy Father’s Day.
Photo Credit: The Odyssey Online
