Raising children is never an easy job – and raising them alone is a much greater struggle. Yet, while single mothers are often praised for their hard work, single fathers sometimes go unnoticed.
Like single mothers, single dads take on every ounce of responsibility to make sure their little ones have everything they need. They sometimes even push the limits, like this father who sacrifices it all for his son and this man who was caught shoplifting baby formula to make sure his son was fed.
And, these single fathers aren't as rare as you think. Today, the group makes up almost 25 percent of households, up from 14 percent in 1960, according to a study by Pew Research.
The study credits several factors for this increase, including a shift in the court system that no longer only grants a mother full custody.
So, it’s important to start acknowledging these full-time dads a little more and stop leaving them out of the equation. As for the dads who don’t have full custody but always make sure to be there for their kids, they are pretty awesome, too!
View photos of some of these amazing dads below and see what makes them so special.
Please SHARE with all the single dads you know!
They'll accompany you on a spa date.
"Just a normal Friday night with sea salt clay masks watching a movie."
They'll probably watch any kind of movie with you.
"We're having a Spider-Man kind of day."
They'll take you to the park whenever it's sunny.
They will always be happy to see you.
“This is what it’s all about, miss the kids while [they’re] at [their] grandparents in London.”
Click to the next page to view an adorable naptime photo!
And, spend quality time - even if it's just a nap.
“I hope this never changes; a daughter needs the comfort of her father to sleep.”
They make the perfect companion for any sporting event.
“My fav pic of me and my son.”
And even offer some hilarious entertainment.
“Ya I’m the dad who dances in the car with my kids.”
They are there on your first day at school.
"So proud of my little girl."
We LOVE the next image of a father and his daughter — click to the next page!
They'll even do your hair.
“One of my many joys in being a single Dad. Taking care of my princess!”
And boast about spending time with you.
"#QUALITYTIME"
They will celebrate your birthday with you.
"Happy 9th Birthday to my daughter Makaylah Sun German."
Bottom line, they will try and do their best.
"I may not be perfect but I'm perfectly happy being me and doing the best I can for my little lady."