Celebrating fathers day as a single mother can cause controversy. Some people don’t like that you are both the mom and the dad and proud of it – as if you’re trying to insinuate that men don’t matter. In fact, some take it quite personally! However, if you’re a single mother and you want to celebrate father’s day, that’s your prerogative. Playing the role of both parents is absolutely exhausting, so there’s no reason you shouldn’t get a day to celebrate all of your hard work.

Below, we’ll take a look at a few ways you can celebrate father’s day with your kids as a single mother.

Know That This Day Might Be Difficult For Your Kids

This day might be tough for your kids, depending on their age and understanding. If their dad walked out and they are around friends and families celebrating their fathers, they can feel pain as much as adults do. They can love you and appreciate you and still be sad that their dad isn’t there. Don’t take it personally.

Do Something Special Together

Take this occasion to do something special with your kids. You could take them somewhere, like to a movie or swimming, or maybe you could even do some arts and crafts. Although buying gifts for dad may not be a good idea, there’s no reason you can’t make something together. If your kids want to buy a gift for you instead, let that be up to them. Don’t let any angry dads tell you that they can’t!

Allow Them To Celebrate Their Dad If They Wish

Maybe you take care of your kids 90% of the time, and their dad doesn’t bother with them even half as much as he should. You’ll be angry, but you should still allow your kids to celebrate their dad if they want to. Yes – even if he didn’t bother to do anything for you on mother’s day. This isn’t a time to be petty or tell your child that their dad is a deadbeat. This can be confusing for them, and even damaging.

Give Them Other Male Role Models To Celebrate

If your child’s dad isn’t there at all, then you can always give them other male role models to celebrate. Maybe they have a great uncle, or a wonderful grandpa. Helping them to find other positive male role models can be a great way to put a positive spin on something that could be upsetting for them.

Do A ‘Dad Thing’

Don’t be afraid to let your kids know that you’re there to do the ‘dad stuff’ with them too. Maybe you could take them fishing, go to a baseball game with them, or have a barbecue.
However you decide to celebrate father’s day, don’t let anybody make you feel bad or wrong for it. You might not like the idea of taking the credit, or you might want another day to celebrate your hard work. As long as you’re considering the feelings and viewpoint of your children throughout, it’s all good!


Vicky Charles

Vicky is a single mother, writer and card reader.

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