¶ … parent with a young child and a demanding job -- whether it is a mother or a father -- has challenges that a family with both parents on board does not experience, in most cases. And when you add to the equation the fact that the single parent in this case is a male in the U.S. Army, there are complications and serious work-life balance issues to be addressed. After all, the health and care of the child in question must be at the top of the list of priorities, along with the employment of the father and the balance of the conflicting challenges and issues. As a single dad with a young child, I already face challenges when it comes to raising my child, providing a good home and good health for the child; but in addition I am in the U.S. Army and my duties and responsibilities necessarily conflict with the time I need to spend with my child. My job in the U.S. Army can take me away on a moment's notice, so I am hopeful to link up with an appropriate Family Care Plan.

Purpose Statement

I am taking on this research not only for my greater understanding of how a single father copes with finding childcare, being home for my child, preparing meals for the child and spending quality time as well. Moreover, I am researching this issue because I need a broader understanding of what the literature provides in terms of others in my situation,...