My daughter is 12. She was born when I was 44 years old. I get routinely misidentified as being her grandfather.

My daughter is almost fifteen. Her mom and I divorced four years ago. Everytime I take her shopping I get some form of where's mom from strangers. My daughter got tired of me responding to people with who the hell are you so she just responds with mind your own business.

Think she's taking after her dad...

I am not a single dad, but I have a 3.5 yr old girl that I take out shopping, out to eat, etc. I definitely get the "sweet of you to give mom the day off" and I take that as a compliment. I treasure my "Daddy Daughter Time" as she calls it. Sometimes I really am just giving my wife a break.

I believe the reason we get those comments is because it does seem more rare that a dad is out with his girls. I have never had anyone be rude about it like you experienced, almost seems like they were worried about the girls which is weird. I have even had to take my kid out of target kicking and screaming, but I am sure most parents have experienced that and understand.

I get that often when I take my kids out, 2 boys and a girl. It's annoying, but my number one reply...she's getting over a hangover. My kids yell at me when I say that though

quote:

Originally posted by davetruong:
I get that often when I take my kids out, 2 boys and a girl. It's annoying, but my number one reply...she's getting over a hangover. My kids yell at me when I say that though

Good stuff.

We have four, two daughters are the oldest, sons are the younger of the brood. The girls are 21 & 25 now, so I doubt any catty comments would be about where Mom is.

quote:

Originally posted by sdf:

But I immediately noticed when I'd take them shopping for clothes that every, single salesperson has a comment to make about how nice it is for me to "give mom the day off" or how sweet it is for me to "let mom sleep in." The other day a lady took one look and loudly said, "Where's mom?!"

In a loud voice, "Where is mom? She is a scumbag bitch that left me and decided she didn't want to be a mother anymore. So now I raise my kids alone. Any other fucking stupid questions?"

It's the myth that men don't parent. They especially don't parent girls. Perhaps that was true at some point in the past, but not anymore.

So, any time parenting is being done by a dad, it's being done to help mom out AND it's being done half-assed, because that's how men do thing, right?

They can't clean, they can't parent, they can't grocery shop, they can't wash cloths, they can't cook, they can't do anything "domestic" very well.

quote:

Originally posted by sdf:
The other day a lady took one look and loudly said, "Where's mom?!"

you: "you're looking at him."

I keep getting comments like how cute my "grand daughters" are. You should see the shocked looks when I correct them & tell them that these four beauties are my DAUGHTERS, not my grand daughters. (I am approaching 70 while my OLDEST daughter is nine)... And the kids LOVE to play "I spy with my little eye"... and when the color is grey I KNOW that they are probably thinking of my grey hair or mustache. (You folks who haven't adopted just don't know what you're missing!!)

I'd probably give an offended "I'm a single father." just to bump them down a notch. Even if you weren't offended

I have two, 11 & 14.
I thought grown women were had to deal with...

But, yeah. I've gotten that before. Usually I just smile & say something like "yeah, been helping full time since she left."

quote:

Originally posted by Browndrake:
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.

This^^^

quote:

Originally posted by sdf:
It's like some weird societal stereotype.

Of course it is a sterotype.

React as suits you on any given day. You could feign outrage. Get all emotional to make them feel bad. Use it to hit on cute chicks. Whatever.

Good on you for taking good care of your children.

Another wise ass comment.

"No, she passed".

As one who has experienced this, the bond you are making with your daughters is priceless.