Single Mother's aren't Father's; but it's okay to wish them Happy Father's Day

I watched an interesting debate today in my social media timeline (Twitter and Facebook). The debate/discussion was on the inappropriateness of wishing single mother's a Happy Father's Day. Many expressed belief that wishing a single mother a Happy Father's Day takes away the validity of the day for all of those dads who are active in the lives of their children. On this note, I call bullshit.

You may think I feel this way because I'm a single mother. You couldn't be farther from the truth. I call bullshit because any father, daddy, dad, step-dad, fill-in dad, god-father, surrogate dad, mentor etc. who is doing his job knows it. This responsible man will not feel his acknowledgement is lessened because some choose to include other's, who are doing a similar (and sometimes the same) job on Father's Day.

I am a mother and I parent 24 hours a day, whether I feel like it or not. On Mother's Day I take absolutely no offense to anyone who chooses to wish a single father who is fulfilling both roles in the lives of his children a Happy Mother's Day. I have actually wished single father's a Happy Mother's Day and will do it again. Does including a father who is doing the same parenting job I am in a day that is dedicated to the female parent lessen my value as a mother? No. In my humble opinion, it gives recognition to someone that is often not given credit for the extra role they assume and fulfill. I feel the same way for single mothers on Father's Day.

If you are a father and you are on the job please don't feel devalued because a single mother receives a little acknowledgement on that day too. It doesn't take away from you and your value in any way. But recognizes the dual role of the single parent on the other 364 days of the year. Most single parents don't ask for the extra recognition, but when received, it's nice to know that someone recognized the dual role, and effort.

In my humble opinion,

The Opinionated Mother