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Originally posted by Excam_Man:

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Originally posted by PorterN:

But yes. I constantly get comments about me "giving the wife a break."

Yep, for the last (XX) years.

I normally got smiles... times do change it seems.

Maybe for some of them it's their way to find out if you're single? As most fathers with children are more desired by women.

Usually, I just take my daughter to the range and we shoot together. The range is a "No Morons Allowed" zone, so we don't have this sort of issue. My son is 15 and pushing hard on six feet, so I don't hear a lot of crud wherever we go.

I have two boys, one girl, and take them anywhere I please. I can't remember anyone ever making such comments to me. Is this common in particular parts of the country, or is it happening everywhere? I can't imagine seeing someone spending time with their kids and asking where the spouse was.

Television and other media has been telling our society for years that husbands and fathers need the help and wisdom of not only their wives but also their children. We are a immature, lazy, misguided, irresponsible, and in general, not very intelligent. It is always the strong, intelligent, and hard working wife and mother with the patience of Job that holds everything together.

I haven't gotten the comment, but offhand, I don't think I've taken either (or both) of them clothes shopping. Funny, I don't get that comment when they are with me at Lowes or buying Home brew supplies.

quote:

Television and other media has been telling our society for years that husbands and fathers need the help and wisdom of not only their wives but also their children. We are a immature, lazy, misguided, irresponsible, and in general, not very intelligent. It is always the strong, intelligent, and hard working wife and mother with the patience of Job that holds everything together.

Yeah. You might be on to something.

<-- I did as my User Name suggests for a good number of years, and had two young daughters (starting when they were six months), so, yes, I've heard some of that, though not as much as this thread might suggest. A few offhand comments -- benign or kind-but-idiotic, never derisive -- but really not too often at all. Probably depends on the area you're in, I suppose...the Seattle area tends to be both culturally liberal and socially frigid...so you don't have many folks coming up to talk to you out the blue, and when they do it's rarely with a socially conservative bent.

I would imagine they are saying it with good intent. Let it be. They don't need to know your personal details, and no need to take offence. Ask yourself, does your (plural) situation really suck, or is it just fine with you and your girls?

Don't let it bother you sdf. You are a man that is handling his business. Good job. Your girls will thank you one day and hopefully gravitate towards men just like you.

The one that gets me the most is...

"Oh, babysitting today?"


Uh... Im being a Father. As in every day.

My daughter is 12. Mom skipped town last year. I have her full time. I get this kind of stuff all the time. Try not to let it get to ya, but I do agree its irritating. People have this mindset about who in a family should do what. Fairly ignorant but not much you can do.

Keep up the good work!

"Mom" said I could bang hot saleswomen , do you know any ?

^^^ lol

Yes, I have experienced this, but I just brush it off. Most of the ladies that say stuff are just trying to be kind and make conversation. I don't let it bother me at all anymore. I have put my foot in my mouth too many times to get upset with others. Also, sounds like you are a great dad!

As the sole custodian of a 14 year old grand daughter, all I say that it's a challenge.

While raising my children I sometimes got the feeling that some women thought that I was encroaching on "their" turf.

That's what thick skin is for.

My wife baled out on me and our three kids, my girls were in 3rd grade and 7th grade, my son in 8th grade. I got plenty of dirty looks shopping in the girls underware section at Walmart for many years. It was tough at times but it all worked out in the end.

I got that from time to time. I guess that is the way some people were brought up.

Thankfully, I do not face the challenges of being a single parent. Knowing how much energy and effort it takes to raise my little girl, and that I get to split that with my wife, makes me in awe of you men who are doing it all on your own. I tip my hat to each of you.


Since Mrs. ShneaSIG and I both work pretty demanding jobs, we both have to do whatever needs doing when it needs doing. Mrs. ShneaSIG travels for work from time to time, so I've got my daughter for those times. She tells me that she'll "hang out with Daddy while Mommy is away." I must confess, though, I can't put a ponytail in her hair worth a dang.

I can't say I've ever had anyone say anything to me, but I have noticed some sideways looks now and again. I've gotten the "babysitting" line a couple times, too. I just smile and borrow Claire's line - "not babysitting, but hanging out with Daddy."

I raised two fine girls. Their mother left when the little one was 5, big one 8. Got them thru college. Had some great help from my Mother, and a couple wonderful ladies. Now both are settled, one has 3 kids. The other went on to more school and got MBA. People say I did a great job.

Mrs. Redstone and I are raising three girls. Two teens and a 5 year old. I get the soccer mom duty and drive the kids everywhere. I even take them clothes shopping most of the time. I get some comments and but not as many.
What bugs me is the constant "I'm neglecting or mistreating my wife" insinuation crap from strangers or co workers. The wife is at home doing her thing, she hates shopping etc. But some act like I have her chained at home. No, she is doing exactly what she wants too and always has. Why do people feel like they can inject their thoughts on what should be onto others.

I just say that I'm a single dad and my daughter prefers to be with me. Shuts them up and often gets me a wink.