Are you a single father?

• April 19, 2024

What is your first thought when you hear the word single dad? Being in this situation is not easy. In Mexico, 736 thousand households are headed by single parents, according to information from the National Council of Population (Conapo) and the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi).

Single parents face the stigma of society, that is, the thought that a man will not be able to take care of the children by himself and his work, which can generate pressure on them, says psychologist Mina Shterenberg, of the Patient Assistance Clinic of the Psychoanalytic Society of Mexico (SPM)

The specialist details that it is important to discover the reason or situation by which a man can be a single father, since there are different scenarios that generate this situation.

Single father for a loss (divorce, abandonment or widowhood). He faces a very great difficulty, since he has to assimilate the pain for the loss of the couple. Afterwards, he must analyze the way in which he is going to take charge of the house, the children and his work.

Father on his own initiative. In this case, they are the ones who decide to adopt a child, so they are more emotionally prepared to face the challenge, however, they have to assimilate the lack of time to fulfill their work and parental obligations.

Both types of single parents face emotions such as despair, frustration and anger at having to live this situation on their own.

Therefore, says the psychologist, it is necessary that they have support from family, friends and school, to minimize these pressures and enjoy more of the stage.

You can even look for a support group where you can share your experiences and feel understood.

The specialist emphasizes that single parents should keep their recreation spaces, because they are moments that can serve to release stress. In addition, visiting with a specialist or going to a psychotherapy can help you confront and assimilate those emotions that affect your quality of life, concludes Mina Shterenberg.