Wednesday, June 12, 2002

A story published today by the Portage Daily Register reports that the number of single dads is growing in modern times. In Wisconsin, the number of male households, no wife present, increased from 52,632 in 1990, to 77,918 in 2000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau .

In Columbia County, male households - no wife present - increased from 475 in 1990 to 762 in 2000. In the city of Portage, the number is about 148, or 15 percent of the family households.

Portage resident Joe Beaven, 47, exemplifies the growing trend of single fathers, and he knows the challenges that come with it.

"(Children) take a lot of your time. You have to ensure they are growing up right. You have to put a lot of time with them," Beaven, who went through a second divorce about seven years ago, said. He takes care of his two sons - Brandon, 13, and Nick, 17.

Beaven has two other children from his first marriage, a son, 28, and a daughter, 22.

"I messed around 30 years ago. I made some mistakes. I didn't really get to know my first son. Now, I am kind of trying to make up for that by being a father to my sons," Beaven said. "I made some mistakes when I was young."

Beaven said it takes often a lot to earn your children's respect.

"The only way I can earn their respect is if I respect them also," he said.

Wisconsin households: