Lonely or Lone Dad

As a general rule and depending on the circumstances there isn't that much sympathy for single moms. There is worry for the kids, but not the parent.

But even more than the single moms being blamed for their situation, consider the rare but increasing-in-number single dads. Single dads usually find even less of a place in society when they ask for help. Still, there are times when the single father can get a bit of pleasant attention — such as when father-of-four Dave King is interviewed while commuting with his Blackberry on his lap and laptop open on the passenger seat so he can squeeze every minute out of the working day and be home in time to take care of the kids he stayed in court to fight his ex-wife for until he could bring them to his house.

And the situation of father of 2-month-old triplets, Jeff Hagenbuch, is sure to bring sympathy ... at least for a while. His wife was lost during childbirth; he is on temporary leave from his job; there are six feedings a day for daughters, Rowan and Trinity, and son, Teegan; and his mother-in-law is living with him.

** The single dad is fun in the movies, but very complicated in life. **