Single dad numbers continue to rise

A story published today by the Daily Press reports that according to a study by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, based in Baltimore, Md., the percentage of children being raised by single dads continues to rise.

The number of children living in single-father households increased 50 percent between 1990 and 2000. While the number of children living with single moms decreased between 1996 and 2001, those living with single fathers rose 11 percent, according to the report.

The report partially attributes this increase to the social trend in the 1990s often referred to as the "father movement." Groups like Promise Keepers and events such as the so-called Million Man March encouraged men to meet their family responsibilities.

"More fathers are standing up to bat for themselves," said Howe one of a growing number of fathers raising children on their own.

Howe was orphaned at a young age and raised in foster care. He decided that would never happen to his own children. He got custody of his 11- and 8-year-old girls shortly after he and his wife divorced.

"I promised myself my kids would never be subjected to not knowing their own blood," he said.

There are challenges with raising the two girls. He spent nearly $10,000 for day care last year. He's also protective and has a hard time when the girls want to stay the night at a friend's house.

It's tough because he never gets a break, but having his girls run to him and give him a hug when he picks them up at day care makes it worth it.

"I get a kick out of that more than anything else," he said.