As far as I can gather there aren't many single fathers out there with kids. Is this because a lot of fathers go out and get drunk and don't take as much responsibility as mother's do?

I actually know several single fathers. But it is true that there are far more single mothers. Mothers often seem to have better parent instincts although this is not always true.

i have not heard of much in my area...though there might be...

It is becoming more common then you might think at least it is so in the USA.

I was raised by a single father, as was one of my best friends. I wouldn't say that most father's get drunk and don't take responsibility. In my case, it was the opposite. It's not as uncommon as it used to be, but I think that single fathers can be just as good parents as single mothers.

I have met quite a few great single fathers. Doing an awesome job raising their children. I admire single parents a lot! I am fortunate to have a wonderful husband and he helps out with the 3 little ones.

I think you don't hear much about single fathers because not many ask for custody at the time they divorce, if that is the way they become single. For many, custody doesn't become an issue until the ex-wife starts a new life, and the ex-husband seeks to use the children as a weapon to control the ex-wfe's behavior.

I actually know quite a few single fathers who have custody because they are the more reliable and nurturing parent. I also know a lot of fathers who have joint custody because they used the issue of child support as bargaining (blackmailing) tool. There will always be absentee fathers AND mothers. There should, however, be more recognition of and support for single dads in this day and age.

I think there are not as many single father's because alot of times the courts award custody to the father. I have many friends that would love to have their children but the courts awarded custody to the mother.

Originally Posted by happy2bg33k

I actually know quite a few single fathers who have custody because they are the more reliable and nurturing parent. I also know a lot of fathers who have joint custody because they used the issue of child support as bargaining (blackmailing) tool. There will always be absentee fathers AND mothers. There should, however, be more recognition of and support for single dads in this day and age.

I agree with this - in my personal experience, the courts are heavily biased toward awarding custody to the mother, and in many cases, this is not what's best for the children.

Sam