Sure we can be biased but I guess the answer is hidden in the age of the child. If less than 12-13, I think mothers should get the custody unless mother has a character flaw.
Father cannot give that emotional protection to a young child that a mother can.
Your thoughts?
re: Are mothers better single parents than fathers
Yup, I think in majority of cases single mothers make better parent...
re: Are mothers better single parents than fathers
lol
I am throwing myself to the dogs but I have counter points coming for you, young lady. I am just waiting for a ‘potential’ mother to kick off the discussion, and being fed to dogs this early is hardly my motivation. Stop watching Rachel Ray and let the defense come to the stand. And now present your case.
Re: Are mothers better single parents than fathers
I think when it comes to child custody - both parents must equally be present in the lives of their children. They could be living with one parent but they should also have access to go and meet the other parent when they want.
However, I strongly, believe that if the mother remarries - the custody of kids should go to the father. (Hoping that father is not abusive in this case - and assuming separation only due to hubby and wife not getting along).
I think if the mother remarries or has a boyfriend around - and she has a daughter - it's just not good influence for the daughter. The boyfriend/new hubby's character towards the daughter can be negative.
In the west there have been cases where the new hubby / boyfriend has also hit on the daughter while the mother was not around.
So I am all for father's to have custody... so the woman can have the option to remarry and still keep her kids safe.
Re: Are mothers better single parents than fathers
how very insightful
We are all assuming that the father will never marry and if he does the new step mom will be a saint 
Re: Are mothers better single parents than fathers
^ lol - for my convince I gave you a very limited relationship issue - so I don't have to elaborate
According to me, the father should not marry until kids are out of his home! Simple. I am sure he would not have problem either because they simply would love their independence of spending time with other female friendz...
Re: Are mothers better single parents than fathers
should not marry??
Thats a big ask, now what fault it is of the father or the mother to not marry??
Would it make raising kids any different?? Such things happen in indian movies, life is a lot different with a lot of needs and emotions that need to be dealt with.
I sense a lot of knowledge missing from your statements.
Re: Are mothers better single parents than fathers
My opinion is really partial, one sided only, dealing with the mother and kids emotions - who cares about the father's emotions once he is out. He should simply sacrifice.
Re: Are mothers better single parents than fathers
Can fathers change baby dippers?
Re: Are mothers better single parents than fathers
Haha. Yes of course they can!
Re: Are mothers better single parents than fathers
Well if they can change Dippers, then they can take on the world....:D
Re: Are mothers better single parents than fathers
Regarding the original topic of this thread, I have seen single fathers where the wife passed away and the dad is raising the kids beautifully. One example, the mom died of cancer a year after the little son was born, leaving an older daughter and the son behind. The dad has not remarried but has hired a nanny that comes in when he leaves for work. She takes care of the food and errands, dropping kids off to school, activities, etc. and when dad gets back home, she leaves. He is a devoted father, spends quality time with his children, keeps them in touch with the family, etc.
I have also seen single moms who are great moms. An example here, a close friend, divorced with a 7 year old daughter. The mom got certification as a teacher and now she and her daughter are at the same school. It works out great for them. She is an incredible mom.
I think that being an only parent is hard, no doubt. Here, both of us work as a team to give our kids the best. As a single parent you have to juggle more and probably sacrifice more. Hats off the single parents.
Re: Are mothers better single parents than fathers
No one is talking about the emotional protection that I talked about. Fathers can take care of all the logistics that mother can.
Can I see some views on that please?
Re: Are mothers better single parents than fathers
TLK, As a mother I would like to believe that I am more emotionally responsive and protective about my daughters, but I would be just be making an assumption about the intensity of emotions my husband has for them. I guess the roles of a parent are different when they are a regular husband wife, but when someone becomes a single parent, I guess everything changes.
In my home, I think I am more practical in terms of displaying my affection towards the kids, but their dad is extremely emotional. However, if let's say I wasn't there anymore (God forbid), my husband's role would change to fill in all the gaps. And vice versa.
At least that is what I expect, but people who have gone through this would answer better I suppose.
Re: Are mothers better single parents than fathers
Okay, even though Im not married nor have children...I think both mother and father are equally important here.
My niece lives with me right now, she will be 2 in Feb (Inshallah) and both parents in her life offer her emotional support. My BIL does not back off when it comes to taking care of her, he is just as nurturing and protective as my sister is. In fact, if anyone can get her to eat these days, its ONLY him...lol. She is a complete Daddy's girl.
I dnt think one gender is better than the other as a parent. Ive seen some very careless mothers and equally careless fathers.
Re: Are mothers better single parents than fathers
^ agreed on last bit, it's important for children to have both a female and male role model in their life....
Re: Are mothers better single parents than fathers
Re: Are mothers better single parents than fathers
Like you said TLK it really depends on the age.....
generally speaking...I think mothers make a better single parent.
From my understanding Islamically....custody of children go to mother while the kids are young...when kids get older custody goes to father. Must be a reason for that.