Page 58 - Centrum Dialogu im. Marka Edelmana w Łodzi - Human Library 2018

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Recently I was talking to a friend of mine, and she asked me what
phrase describes my situation better: a self-reliant parent or
a single one. To be honest – neither. Personally, I use the phrase
‘single parent’ – in my experience, in such an arrangement it’s im-
possible to be just a mother or just a father; that’s why ‘parent’ fits
best. And ‘self-reliant’? Without the help my whole family, neigh-
bours or even strangers I would have never reached my self-
reliance, whereas my singleness is palpable every step of the
way… But what does single parenting mean and look like while
done by a guy? I’ll answers this and other questions from my per-
spective – a perspective of a 42-year-old man. Professionally,
I’m a manager. Socially, a community councillor, member of an
organisation working for the benefit of city residents and pres-
ident of a sports club. Privately? the “king” of his kitchen, paint-
ball lover and a father raising a child by himself, in other words,
“a confessor, tutor, confidant, sports manager, nurse, an ATM,
tour guide, etc.”.