A single father himself, Brott integrates the personal experiences of hundreds of other single dads with the most current research findings. The result: by learning to understand and overcome the many emotional, legal, social, and practical challenges they face, single fathers will be better able to experience the many joys of fatherhood. Accessible, reassuring, and packed with essential practical information, this vital resource fills a huge void in parenting literature.
Divorced fathers, never-married fathers, widowers, and gay fathers each have specific needs and are confronted with different challenges, all of which are addressed individually in an accessible, conversational way in The Single Father. But while each single father’s situation is different, they also share many of the same experiences. The Single Father is organized in a way that makes sense for most men, and is divided into six major sections:
- You: To be the best parent possible, single fathers must sort out and resolve certain emotional and practical issues that result from losing a partner. This section outlines necessary preliminary, practical steps, such as hiring a lawyer or mediator.
- You and the System: Potential obstacles can make it difficult for single fathers to create as close a relationship with their children as they would like. Brott suggests ways to overcome such obstacles and to establish guidelines for child custody, child support, visitation, and more.
- You and the Kids: Single dads will find valuable, age-appropriate information and tips on how to stay actively involved with their kids, whether or not they see them every day.
- You and Your Ex: In this part Brott includes a serious discussion and plenty of concrete advice on what to do if an ex interferes with a dad’s relationship with his kids.
- Practical Matters: This nuts-and-bolts section shows single dads how to stock a kitchen, shop efficiently, and make the new home a haven for themselves and their children. Brott also tells single dads how to become financially savvy and plan for their kids’ college education.
- Starting Over: Here Brott discusses single dads’ dating, and how new romantic relationships might impact their children, and even their new partner.
Brott, who leaves no stone unturned in The Single Father, cautions, “Being an actively involved single dad isn’t going to be easy. You may feel lost, alone, helpless, and confused along the way. But it will also be joyous, educational, and uplifting. Guaranteed.”
Praise for The Single Father:
“…sound advice, the kind that offers reassurance to fathers who need it and, if followed, should lead to better relationships among all single parents and their children.”
—Tampa Tribune
“Brott… offers the tools to help men become and remain actively involved parents.”
—Fresno Bee
“Armin Brott steers divorced, separated, gay, widowed and never-married fathers through every aspect of fathering without a partner.”
—New Orleans Times Picayune
“An amazingly insightful, practical, and balanced guide to the uncharted world of the single father.”
—William Doherty, Ph.D., Professor of Family Social Science, University of Minnesota, President, National Council on Family Relations
“A toolbox for the single father, to help him cope with the trials and hazards, deal with the emotions, and wade through the legal mire.”
—New Jersey Suburban Parent
“Brott offers a solution for all problems big or small … a handy guide for single fathers as they build their lives with their children.”
—Ft. Lauderdale Sun Sentinel