re: Who needs a uterus? Or a partner?

feefifoto — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 21:04:48 GMT

As a single mother by choice to two kids, I empathize with men who desire kids of their own. If I'm out with my kids in the middle of the day nobody will question me, but a dad on his own at a supermarket or children's clothing store will be more likely to encounter wondering looks and suspicions. I had no difficulty finding playdates or play groups for my kids when they were babies; once the other moms got used to my story we stopped talking about it. My kids are in middle school and elementary school so by now their friends' and friends' families are accustomed to our unconventional family situation. I suspect that single fathers by choice won't have it as easy as I did. Hope I'm wrong, because being a parent is the greatest joy and privilege of my life and I'd hate to think that anyone who really wanted children would be condemned just for being single.

re: Who needs a uterus? Or a partner?

Larissa — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 02:22:51 GMT

I dunno, I think familiarity with babies is a case by case thing - before I was a mother I hadn't held or hung out with a baby since babysitting as a young teenager. My husband had nieces at least, and had changed diapers and played with them. In our case, mine was a very small family and his is slightly larger enough to accomodate some uncle-action.