In the grave world of Kalyug, the value of life has been reduced. There are accident-prone emotions, natural calamities, and so much more that risk human lives today. Be it a massive airplane crash or a wildfire, the uncertainty of Life is increasing day by day. The massive damage that happens due to unexpected deaths is unexplainable. It is difficult to comprehend what the families of people who lost their lives might be feeling. In a sensitive time, it is important to support one another. Grieving becomes very important because if we don’t express it, we suppress it. Suppressing emotions leads to burnout, which later affects us. news — a plane crash somewhere, a young actress passing away suddenly from a heart attack. Someone who was smiling just hours ago is suddenly… gone. These events shake us to our core.And that’s exactly where today’s conversation begins. We’re living in an age that feels uncertain and unstable.There was a time when death seemed linked to old age, illness, or tragic accidents. But now?It comes uninvited, without knocking on the door.A heart suddenly stops beating, a plane disappears without warning, a life is lost in a split second on the road.It truly feels like life has turned into a glass bottle — delicate, unpredictable, ready to shatter at any moment. When we lose someone close to us suddenly, the pain is indescribable.It’s hard to believe that the person who was just beside us… is no longer here.Our mind keeps replaying the last time we saw them, the last thing we said.So many words are left unsaid.So many relationships end without a goodbye.We regret not saying more… not hugging one last time. But friends, the real question is — how do we deal with such grief?How do we stand up when the ground beneath us disappears? The first step is to accept the truth.Yes, this has happened. And yes, it’s affecting you.It’s okay to feel broken.Suppressing the pain only makes it worse.Cry. Talk. Reach out to someone and say — “I’m not okay.”That is the first step toward healing. We often think being strong means staying silent, not crying, not showing emotion.But real strength lies in accepting your emotions.You’re not alone.There are people around you who will understand your pain, who are ready to listen.And if you don’t have anyone close — seek help from a counselor, a helpline, or an online support group.Seeking help is not weakness — it is wisdom. Now, let’s talk about living.These sudden losses remind us of one powerful truth: none of us is immortal.So why not live every breath, every moment, to the fullest? Have you ever truly felt the sunlight on your face?Have you ever called a friend out of the blue just to say, “I miss you”?Have you eaten a meal with your phone aside and truly savored each bite? Friends, the real meaning of life is hidden in these small moments we often ignore.It’s not about living long, it’s about living fully.Live each day as if it were your last.Meet people as if it’s the first or the final time.Give time to your family.Nurture your dreams.And don’t suppress your desires. And yes — express your love.Tell the ones you love that you love them.Forgive those who hurt you.Life is too short for grudges.Sometimes, the fear of death teaches us the art of truly living — if we let it. Before I end this episode, I want to leave you with one line:“Death reminds us that time is limited, so make every moment priceless.” We can carry the lessons without wrapping ourselves in sorrow.And maybe, just maybe, that makes us better human beings. As we part today, I’ll just say this —Live your life in a way that if it ends suddenly one day, there are no regrets… only memories of a life well-lived. Keep Reading Foramz for your daily dose of moral support. Listen to this blog in audio form on our youtube channel Social Republic.
Written by Ananya
In our rapidly changing world, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is everywhere. Machines are becoming increasingly intelligent, too, whether it’s chatbots or self-driving cars. Though cool, many are asking the same question: “Will AI take jobs?” AI has many people feeling job insecurity. They are worried machines will take their jobs. This feeling is real and increasing. In this post, we will look into how AI impacts jobs, what types of work have the greatest risk, and what we can do to prepare ourselves. While these examples show AI making the project easier or projecting potential efficiency, the existence of AI could make the same jobs out of date. Job insecurity refers to people fearing that their job is at risk of disappearing or that their job won’t be safe in the future. Job insecurity is widespread and becoming more common as companies are implementing artificial intelligence (AI) to save time and money. AI is capable of working 24/7, does not need a break, and in many cases, can perform tasks faster than human workers. This serves the interests of a business while also creating fear for workers in general, and particularly workers in jobs that involve routine and repetitive tasks. AI will take away jobs that involve repetitive, data-driven, or manual tasks and positions like: Even creative jobs are replacing traditional roles as a consequence of new AI tools. This isn’t to say these jobs will disappear, but they may look different or become more competitive. Youth entering the workforce may find a shortage of entry-level positions, older workers may struggle to learn new digital tools or retraining, or low-skilled workers may miss the opportunity to reskill quickly. All of these groups also indicate that they have the highest stress and uncertainty levels or full employment. Although AI may eliminate some types of jobs, it also creates new ones. For example: AI trainers: Individuals who are helping AI systems learn how to think.Data analysts: Experts who analyze information to identify trends.Cybersecurity professionals: Protect AI systems from hackers.Digital marketers: As online businesses increase, they will be needed.Robotics engineers: Build and fix intelligent machines.Many new job roles require new skills, meaning people will need to continue to learn. Here are a few simple but effective actions you can take to lower work insecurity: Continue learning – Enroll in an online course on a growing digital skill, AI, or communication.Be flexible – Be willing to try new roles, or even a new industry.Develop soft skills – Things like teamwork, creativity, and empathy are difficult for AI to replicate.Embrace technology – Don’t be afraid of tools; learn how to use them to your advantage.Keep up with industry news – Read about trends in your industry and don’t be caught unaware. Do bear in mind that AI may support your work rather than replace it. There are studies that show that workers who use AI tools often create more value than workers who do not. The expansion of AI represents a massive shift, and like any massive shift, it includes challenges and opportunities. Job insecurity brought by AI is both evident and real, but it is not the end. It is a signal that the world of work is being disrupted. You don’t need to be a tech wizard; it isn’t like you have to go to school for it when you can just learn firsthand. However, you do need to adapt, learn, and grow. As long as you have the right attitudes and skills, you won’t just be able to protect your job, but find something even better in the future. Keep reading foramz
Written by Ananya
Love has always been complicated, but for Gen Z, it seems more complicated than ever. Rather than traditional dating or serious relationships, many young people are not interested in those anymore. They have a new sort of romantic connection that is emerging that has been labeled a situationship. So, what is a situationship? And why is it growing in popularity? Let’s take a closer look. A situationship is not quite a friendship and not quite a committed relationship. Two people could talk every single day, go out together, even be physical, but they have not given their relationship a clear label. They may say, “We’re just seeing where it goes” or “We don’t want to put a name on it.” In short, it is not officially committed, but by no means is it just casual. Being in a “situationship” is prominent in Gen Z culture today. Many young people often voice that they do not want the pressure of a serious relationship. They feel a real connection with the other person, yet they want to have the freedom. There are various root causes of the emergence and prevalence of situationships in Gen Z culture. Social media is a huge part of this trend as well. Young people see “perfect” relationships online with gifts, trips, love letters, etc. They often disregard what love really is, because in real life, love is much messier than it is online. Instead of meeting these expectations, some decide to not define their relationship at all. On TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram, creators all over are discussing their situationships. Some make light of it. Some talk deeply about the pain that is associated along with the confusion. Regardless, it is clearly a prevalent conversation within GenZ, making it a normative aspect of their culture. Situationships have both good and bad things. The good: The bad: Some people enjoy situationships. Others become hurt or disappointed because they believe they are in a relationship, and the other person does not feel the same way. Relationship experts and psychologists emphasize that communication is the best ingredient for a successful situation. If both people know what they want, it can work. But when one person starts to expect more, like exclusivity or emotional support, it can be uncomfortable.Experts remind us that Gen Z is not “cold” or “unromantic.” They are just trying to protect themselves. They have an appreciation for mental health, personal boundaries, and emotional honesty. This isn’t to say romance is disappearing. However, romance is changing. Now more than ever, Gen Z is challenging traditional norms of dating, marriage, and labels. Some are trying out open relationships, others are exploring gender-fluid roles in their partnerships, or long-distance love online. The idea of love is becoming versatile. Situationships don’t necessarily have to indicate an end in romance. For some individuals, situationships are a short-term step before they move on to the next serious relationship. For others, situationships are a comfortable place for those who don’t want any labels attached to their relationships. Every generation has its way of loving. For Gen Z, love doesn’t always come with a label or a status update. It’s more private, more flexible, and sometimes more confusing. But in the end, the search is the same: people still want to feel seen, understood, and cared for. Whether in a situationship or a serious relationship, the most important thing remains the same: honest communication and mutual respect. Keep reading foramz
Written by Mira
We’re living in an age where algorithms write stories, bots handle customer care, and machines predict our preferences better than our friends. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer science fiction—it’s our present, and it’s shaping our future faster than anyone imagined. For Gen Z, the digital-native generation born into a world of smartphones and social media, AI is both a game-changer and a challenge. Let’s be honest—AI is disrupting jobs, industries, and expectations. From customer service to content creation, from data analysis to diagnostics, AI is gradually taking over tasks once performed by humans. Reports from the World Economic Forum and McKinsey predict that millions of jobs could be lost or transformed by automation in the coming decade. And who stands at the brink of this upheaval? Gen Z. But the good news is this: Gen Z also sits at the threshold of great opportunity. With the right mindset and skillset, they can survive AI disruption and even thrive along with it. The future doesn’t belong to machines—it belongs to those who know how to utilize them wisely. Understanding the Shift The path forward from the impact of AI is recognizing that it’s not simply replacement—it’s redefinition. AI is taking over mundane, rule-based jobs. But it’s also inventing completely new professions: AI prompt engineers, ethical AI officers, human-AI interaction designers, and more. A lot of those jobs didn’t exist five years ago. Careers tomorrow will be a combination of technology, artistry, and human understanding. Move From Job Security to Skill Security Gen Z needs to leave job titles behind and begin pursuing skills. Technical proficiency is no longer a choice—it’s a necessity. Educating oneself about how AI operates, how to deal with it, how to judge its output, and how to ask it the right questions will be the new digital literacy basics. Courses on AI, data science, automation tools, and programming are available on sites like Coursera, edX, Khan Academy, and YouTube at affordable or even no cost. But just technical expertise isn’t sufficient. Invest in What Makes Us Human AI currently lacks emotional intelligence, creativity, judgment, and empathy. These aspects of humanity will only become more important, not obsolete. Gen Z needs a greater investment in creative thinking, in narrative, in collaboration, in leadership, and in ethics-based decision-making. These are what will make them remain relevant in a world where computers can think quicker but not feel smarter. Develop an AI Alliance, Not a Competition Rather than avoiding AI, Gen Z needs to learn to work with it. Employ AI as a collaborator, not a competitor. Authors can employ tools such as ChatGPT as aids in brainstorming and editing. Designers can use AI-created images as inspiration. Marketers can interpret data through AI-fueled insights. Coders can code more quickly using AI suggestions. Most successful future professionals will not be those who escape AI. They will be those who co-create with it. Stay Agile, Stay Curious In a fast-changing environment, adaptability is strength. Gen Z must cultivate a culture of lifelong learning. The capacity to re-learn, upskill, and adapt rapidly will be the key differentiator. Read newsletters such as MIT Tech Review, follow AI thought leaders on LinkedIn, and join hackathons, digital bootcamps, and online forums. Make Ethics Your Anchor Gen Z is a socially conscious generation. This consciousness needs to carry over to the realm of AI. As this tech dominates economies, media outlets, and justice systems, there is an increased demand for voices that critique, lead, and humanize AI development. Ethics isn’t just a philosophy class—it’s a career boost. Individually Train to Be Future-Ready At the individual level, Gen Z must make time each week for AI building skills—whether mastering a new AI tool, playing around with prompt writing, or participating in a virtual community for innovation. Cultivating a habit of technology discovery and correlating it with passion—be it music, fashion, learning, or gaming—will make them stand out. The magic is not so much in technical expertise, but in using it creatively across domains. The Bottom Line AI is not designed to eliminate human potential. It’s here to probe and enhance it. For Gen Z, the question is not “Will I lose my job to AI?” but “How can I make AI work for me?” By embracing change, developing eternally human skills, and developing fluency in new tools, Gen Z can turn fear into fuel—and create a future where humans and machines join forces to tackle the world’s greatest challenges. Because when it comes to the age of AI, the most potent tool is still the human, curious, and adaptable mind behind the machine. Keep Reading Foramz for your daily dose of Moral Support.
Written by Ananya
Social media is a mirror in today’s digital world, but it is a mirror that never accurately represents our true reflections; it always represents a filtered, edited, and curated version of life. For Generation Z (1995 – 2010), however, this mirror is nearly impossible to avoid. Social media is a part of everyday life, from taking Instagram selfies and TikTok dances to Snapchat streaks and aesthetic boards on Pinterest. But in the middle of all of the likes, followers, and hashtags is the growing concern of the pressure to be perfect, and how that pressure negatively influences self-esteem. For many Gen Zers, social media is more than just a form of screen time; it’s a lifestyle. Research tells us that teens and young adults average three to six hours a day scrolling their platforms of choice. Entertainment, connection, and creativity are just a few of the beneficial aspects of social media, but they also include an intense sense of comparison. The cycle starts innocently: you post a photo, wait patiently for likes to come in, and get flooded with that feel-good rush as the hearts come rolling in. In no time, you start to wonder why there are so many others with clearer skin, better fashion sense, or more interesting lives, or bigger circles of other fun people. It’s crazy! Logically, we know that all of those images are filtered, curated, posed, or crafted, but we can’t help the compulsion to compare. These constant comparisons lead to feeling inadequate: “Why isn’t my life as cool?” or “Why don’t I look like that?”. Little by little, these thoughts strip away at our self-esteem, especially when we are still figuring out who we are. Social media’s greatest detractor is that it depicts little of reality. Social media’s dark secret is that the people we follow typically only post their best experiences, the amazing vacations, the perfect selfies, and the beloved celebrations. As a result, we are left with this social media highlight reel that glosses over the messy, mediocre, boring, and mundane. Consequently, scrolling through hundreds of highlight reels each day can lead to the perception that everyone else is doing better than us. This can also contribute to feelings of anxiety, depression, and a skewed sense of self-worth. Gen Z is accustomed to this kind of pressure because social media has been prevalent in their lives since they were toddlers. A survey conducted by the American Psychological Association revealed that Gen Z participants experience the highest levels of stress compared to previous generations, with social media contributing much to the angst. A lot of teens feel they have to perform look perfect, act cool, be on-trend just to stay META! Technology has made changing your appearance only with a few taps to the screen, easier than ever filters can slim down your face, whiten your eyes, and smooth out your skin. Editing apps can transform your photos within seconds to help you look like a model. Some people just enjoy playing around with these tools, while others feel compelled to utilize them just to feel “good enough” to share a post. This creates a toxic cycle of insecurity. You might share an edited photo, receive some compliments, and briefly feel good. However, when you look in the mirror, you feel disappointed, not meeting the transformative “you” that you created online. What can be done? To begin with, it’s worth remembering that social media is not reality. Behind each perfect post is someone with just as many struggles, insecurities, and bad days as you have. Unfollowing accounts that make you feel awful about yourself, stepping away from social media, or setting screen-time limits are all great ways to help protect your mental health. Following influencers who embody body positivity, mental health awareness, and being yourself is helpful too. There are more and more Gen Z influencers who are vocal about the negatives of filters and the importance of showing up as your true self. These are all great steps in changing social media culture. Speaking to friends, family, or even a counselor about your feelings can be hugely beneficial too. You are definitely not alone in feeling the pressure, and it is completely okay to ask for help. Perfection is a myth and not the goal. What matters is finding yourself, and realizing that everyone has flaws even those who look perfect on social media. Gen Z has the chance to change how social media is used and can do so by being honest, supportive, and kind. In the end, you are not defined by the number of likes, or followers, or filters that you have. You are defined by how you respect yourself, and how you respect others. Social media can be a fun tool, just don’t let it define your self-worth. You are enough. Keep reading foramz
Written by genelia
In the hyper-connected world we live in today, the lines between working and personal life have become blurred nearly irreversibly. The digital office, enabled through instant communication options and digital tools, has created a workspace for employees where they feel the never-ending urge to be “always-on”. While this virtual connection provides convenience and flexibility, it can result in digital fatigue that could be detrimental to personal well-being and organizational productivity. Digital Connectedness Is Increasing & The Double-Edged Sword The amount of information coming from smartphones, tablets, laptops, online apps, and collaboration apps like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom implies employees can communicate and collaborate from almost anywhere, at almost any time.. Conversations that once happened at the office (9-5) happen now in the evenings, weekends, and vacations. Whereas this virtual connectivity can help employees embrace flexibility in ways, like working from home, quick decision making, and solving problems as they surface, it also creates a culture where the expectation of instantaneous responsiveness has become the norm, thereby turning one always-on availability into one long workday. The Problem: Always-On Culture and Its Effects Redefining Work and Personal Life Boundaries One of the biggest problems with being “always available” is the blurring of boundaries between work and personal life. The employees struggle to switch off since emails, messages, and calls just keep coming in despite working hours. This invasion of privacy interferes with the ability to rest, quality time with friends and family, and do recreational activities that contribute to mental and emotional well-being. The Emergence of Digital Burnout Digital burnout is a particular type of burnout brought about by extensive use of digital devices and constant online interaction. Digital Burnout refers to physical, mental, and emotional fatigue that is caused by too much digital engagement. Digital burnout, which is distinct from traditional burnout, which relates primarily to work and interpersonal stress, is connected to a compulsion to connect and a greater fear of being left out because they missed some communications.Both are forms of stress dysfunction and cause the body to undergo similar damage and repair cycles.Symptoms of burnout include: Heightened Stress and Anxiety Levels The need to be reactive at all times creates an increased level of stress. Staff tend to keep checking messages and emails continuously, even outside work hours or during breaks. This habit results in constant pressure and inability to wind down. Moreover, the worry of being viewed as uncommitted or lazy if they do not reply very quickly adds to this anxiety. Just the notion of possibly losing important information or falling behind their colleagues creates an extreme cycle of hypervigilance. Impact on Productivity and Quality of Work While being consistently connected may seem to improve productivity, it does the opposite. The compulsion to multitask with our professional messages, emails, and meetings creates repeated distractions and divided attention. The divide reduces the ability to fully engage in complex tasks, thus creating poorer quality work and more mistakes. Additionally, employees encountering digital burnout often have lower motivation and creativity, which affects their innovativeness and problem-solving abilities. The role of organizational culture and leadership. The digital burnout problem often has its origins in an organizational culture and leadership style that is usually inherent in organizational practices. Organizations that implicitly and explicitly reinforce rapid and immediate responsiveness enact undue pressure on employees and cultivate the mindset that employees are expected to be available 24/7. Managers who are themselves always “on” and then expect the same from their employees contribute to the organizational culture. Employees have no clear policy with respect to after-hours communication and have the pressure of not knowing when it is acceptable to disconnect and be offline. Social Isolation and Decreased Human Connection In spite of the abundance of digital communication, being always connected can paradoxically boost the sense of loneliness. The nature of human connections is often compromised as digital communications become a substitute for direct communication. Workers can become emotionally isolated and devalued, and the sense of loneliness and unhappiness will be amplified. KEEP READING FORAMZ.COM FOR MORE UPDATES
Written by Grace
New Delhi: India has strongly criticized the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), calling it an “entity of concern” over its repeated “biased and politically motivated assessments” in its latest annual report. The rebuttal from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) came after the USCIRF alleged that religious minorities in India continue to face worsening treatment and called for sanctions on India’s intelligence agency, the Research & Analysis Wing (R&AW), over purported “assassination” plots against Khalistani separatists abroad. Rejecting the allegations, the MEA said, “The USCIRF’s persistent attempts to misrepresent isolated incidents and cast aspersions on India’s vibrant multicultural society reflect a deliberate agenda rather than a genuine concern for religious freedom.” It further questioned the authenticity of the commission’s work, accusing it of misrepresenting facts to serve a political narrative. The latest report from USCIRF recommended that India be designated as a “country of particular concern” for alleged violations of religious freedom. It also urged the US government to impose targeted sanctions on R&AW, citing its alleged involvement in operations against extremist elements overseas. Responding sharply, India dismissed these claims as baseless and said accusations undermine the country’s standing as a democratic and pluralistic society. “India is home to 1.4 billion people who follow all major religions known to mankind. However, we do not expect that the USCIRF will acknowledge the harmonious coexistence of India’s diverse communities,” the foreign ministry said. New Delhi also pointed out that the USCIRF has repeatedly shown a pattern of issuing agenda-driven reports, failing to recognize the true nature of India’s religious and cultural diversity. “Such efforts to undermine India’s global reputation will not succeed,” the MEA asserted, doubling down on its call to designate the USCIRF as an “entity of concern.” Despite the USCIRF’s recommendations, it remains unlikely that the US government will impose sanctions on R&AW, as the panel’s reports are not legally binding. While the commission has accused the Indian government of promoting divisive rhetoric against minorities, India maintains that its policies uphold religious freedom and democratic values. This latest diplomatic clash adds to the ongoing tensions between India and the USCIRF, with New Delhi repeatedly rejecting what it sees as unwarranted interference in its internal affairs.
Written by Ananya
At the heart of political philosophy lies a fundamental question: Who truly holds power when the system collapses? German jurist Carl Schmitt gave a provocative answer: “The sovereign is he who decides on the exception.” This statement, simple yet explosive, challenges our deepest assumptions about law, order, and democracy. The State of Exception: Where Law Disappears Schmitt’s most controversial idea is the “state of exception,” a moment when normal laws are suspended, and raw power takes over. Think of emergencies like wars, pandemics, or civil unrest. In these crises, constitutions and parliaments often become irrelevant. What matters is who gets to decide when to bypass the rules. For Schmitt, this decision-maker, whether a president, king, or military leader, is the real sovereign, not the legal system. Laws are just words on paper until someone enforces them. But the sovereign? They can tear up those papers when survival is at stake. Sovereignty as Decision, Not Law Traditional political theory sees sovereignty as the highest legal authority. Schmitt flips this: true sovereignty is the power to act outside the law. A president who declares martial law, a ruler who suspends elections, a government that jails opponents “for national security”—these aren’t breakdowns of the system. They are the system revealing its true nature. This idea comes from Schmitt’s “Political Theology,” where he compares sovereign power to God’s absolute authority. Just as God can perform miracles (breaking natural laws), the sovereign can suspend legal ones. A Brutal Critique of Liberalism Schmitt despised liberal democracy. He saw its checks and balances as weak—a system that can’t act fast when enemies attack. His famous “friend-enemy distinction” argues that politics isn’t about debate or compromise. It’s about identifying threats and crushing them. In his view, liberal democracies fail because: Why Schmitt Still Haunts Us From the Patriot Act after 9/11 to emergency pandemic powers, Schmitt’s shadow looms large. Modern governments still: Suspend civil liberties during crises Expand executive authority “temporarily” (that often becomes permanent) Justify extreme measures by declaring existential threats Even the European Union, designed to prevent Schmitt’s authoritarianism, suspended fiscal rules during COVID, proving his point that no legal order survives true emergencies. The Danger of Schmitt’s Legacy While insightful, Schmitt’s theory is dangerous. It was used to justify Nazi rule (which he supported). Today, it fuels: Conclusion: Can Democracy Survive the Exception? Schmitt forces us to confront an ugly truth: law depends on power, not the other way around. The challenge for democracies is to handle crises without becoming dictatorships. Can we have security and freedom? Schmitt would laugh at the question. But we must keep asking it or risk proving him right. Food for Thought: Schmitt’s ideas are a warning: the exception isn’t an accident, it’s where politics gets real. Ignore it, and you ignore how power works. For more, subscribe to foramz.com
Written by Ananya
In the previous episodes of this series, we explored the financial challenges and societal stereotypes faced by single fathers. Now, we turn our focus to the emotional landscape of single fatherhood, a journey marked by resilience, vulnerability, and an unwavering commitment to their children. Raising children alone is no small feat, and for single fathers, the emotional toll can be profound. From navigating grief and loss to balancing work and parenting, single dads often carry a heavy emotional burden. Yet, amidst the challenges, their stories are filled with moments of triumph, love, and unshakable determination. The Weight of Loss and Grief For many single fathers, the journey begins with loss. Whether through divorce, separation, or the death of a partner, the emotional impact of becoming a single parent can be overwhelming. Widowed fathers, in particular, face the dual challenge of grieving their partner while stepping into the role of sole caregiver. Take the story of Michael, a single father of two young girls. After losing his wife to cancer, Michael found himself navigating not only his grief but also helping his daughters process theirs. “There were days when I felt like I was drowning,” he recalls. “But I had to be strong for my girls. They needed me to be their rock.” Michael’s story is a testament to the resilience of single fathers. Despite his pain, he found ways to honor his wife’s memory while creating a stable and loving environment for his children. “We talk about her every day,” he says. “I want my girls to know how much their mom loved them and that she’s always with us.” The Balancing Act: Work, Parenting, and Self-Care Single fathers often face the daunting task of balancing work and parenting, leaving little time for themselves. The pressure to provide financially while being emotionally present for their children can lead to burnout and feelings of isolation. James, a single father of a teenage son, shares his experience. “I work long hours to make ends meet, but I also want to be there for my son, helping him with homework, attending his soccer games, and just being present. It’s exhausting, and sometimes I feel like I’m failing at both.” James’s struggle is a common one. Many single fathers feel torn between their responsibilities as providers and their desire to be fully engaged parents. The lack of a support system can exacerbate these challenges, leaving little room for self-care. Yet, amidst the chaos, single fathers find moments of joy and connection. For James, it’s the quiet conversations with his son before bed. “Those moments remind me why I keep going,” he says. “He’s my reason for everything.” The Emotional Labor of Parenting Parenting is as much about emotional labor as it is about physical care. Single fathers often find themselves navigating complex emotional terrain, from helping their children process big feelings to teaching them life skills and values. For David, a single father of a young daughter, this meant learning to embrace vulnerability. “I wasn’t used to talking about feelings,” he admits. “But my daughter needed me to be open and honest. She needed to know it’s okay to cry, to be angry, to feel whatever she’s feeling.” David’s journey highlights the emotional growth that single fatherhood can inspire. By stepping into roles traditionally associated with mothers- comforting, nurturing, and emotionally supporting their children- single fathers challenge societal norms and redefine what it means to be a parent. The Power of Community While single fatherhood can be isolating, many dads find strength in community. Support groups, online forums, and local organizations provide a space for single fathers to share their experiences, seek advice, and build connections. For Carlos, a single father of three, finding a support group was a turning point. “I felt so alone before I found this group,” he says. “But hearing other dads’ stories made me realize I’m not the only one going through this. It gave me hope and reminded me that I’m doing the best I can.” These communities not only offer practical support but also validate the emotional experiences of single fathers. They remind dads that it’s okay to ask for help, to feel overwhelmed, and to take time for themselves. Looking Ahead: A Message of Hope The emotional journey of single fatherhood is one of resilience, love, and growth. It’s a journey that requires strength, vulnerability, and an unwavering commitment to their children. As we continue this series, we’ll explore the ways society can better support single fathers—from challenging stereotypes to providing resources and creating inclusive spaces. By recognizing the emotional labor of single fathers and celebrating their contributions, we can help ensure that no dad feels alone in his journey. To all the single fathers out there: Your love and dedication are changing lives. You are enough, and your children are lucky to have you. Stay tuned for Episode 4: Building a Support System – How Society Can Empower Single Fathers. To keep reading, subscribe to foramz.com
Written by Ananya
While the struggles of single fathers often revolve around societal expectations and work-life balance, there are also deeply ingrained stereotypes that many people fail to acknowledge. These stereotypes not only shape how society perceives single fathers but also influence how they see themselves. Unlike the more commonly discussed financial and emotional challenges, these biases create additional hurdles that can make single parenting even more isolating. Two of the most overlooked yet damaging stereotypes are the assumption that men are less competent caregivers and the stigma that single fathers must have “failed” in some way to end up parenting alone. The “Incompetent Dad” Stereotype: The Doubt in a Father’s Ability One of the most frustrating stereotypes single fathers face is the belief that men are inherently less capable of raising children. Society often portrays fathers as the “backup parent,” someone who steps in only when the mother is unavailable. This stereotype is reinforced by media, where dads are frequently depicted as clueless, struggling to make a simple meal, or completely out of their depth when it comes to emotional caregiving. For single fathers, this stereotype can translate into real-world struggles. They may encounter skepticism from doctors, teachers, or even other parents who assume they don’t know what they’re doing. A father taking his child to a doctor’s appointment may be asked, “Where’s the mother?” as if his presence alone is insufficient. A dad attending a parent-teacher conference might feel as though the teacher assumes he lacks understanding of his child’s education. These moments reinforce the idea that parenting is still viewed as a mother’s domain and that a father raising a child alone is unnatural or inadequate. This bias can also seep into everyday interactions. Fathers might receive excessive praise for performing basic parental duties, something that would go unnoticed if done by a mother. For example, a dad shopping for groceries with his child might be told, “Wow, you’re such a great dad for doing this,” implying that basic caregiving tasks are exceptional for men but expected for women. While the intention behind such comments may not be malicious, they highlight the deep-rooted belief that fathers are less competent caregivers. This stereotype can be particularly damaging when fathers internalize it. A single dad who constantly hears that men aren’t naturally good at nurturing may start to doubt his parenting abilities. He might hesitate to comfort his child during an emotional moment, feeling like he’s not “wired” to provide that kind of support. Over time, this can create unnecessary self-doubt and prevent fathers from fully embracing their role as both caregiver and provider. The Stigma of “The Failed Man”: Assumptions About Why He’s a Single Father Another stereotype that is rarely discussed is the assumption that a single father must have “failed” in some way. Unlike single mothers, who are often met with sympathy and support, single fathers can face suspicion about why they are raising children alone. Society tends to assume that if a father has sole custody of his child, it must be because something went wrong; either he was irresponsible in the past or the mother was deemed unfit. Some people assume the father must have been a “bad husband” or partner, leading to the breakdown of his relationship. Others believe he must have won custody out of spite or through legal loopholes rather than because he is the best choice for his child. This assumption can be particularly harsh on widowed fathers. A man who loses his spouse is often expected to remarry quickly because the idea of him raising children alone seems unnatural. Instead of receiving the same emotional support that a widowed mother might, a father in this situation might be encouraged to find a new mother figure for his kids, as if he alone is not enough. Even in cases of divorce, fathers often feel the need to constantly prove that they are capable of being a primary parent. If a mother loses custody, people may assume there must have been extreme circumstances involved, while a father gaining custody can sometimes lead to speculation that he manipulated the system or fought for custody just to avoid paying child support. These biases can make single fathers feel like they are under constant scrutiny, forced to justify their parenting role in a way that single mothers are not. This stigma also affects their social lives. Many single fathers find that dating becomes more complicated due to these stereotypes. Women they meet may question why they have full custody, assuming there is some dark backstory. Others may hesitate to get involved, fearing that dating a single dad means taking on an unwanted parenting role. Breaking the Cycle: Changing the Narrative Around Single Fathers The stereotypes surrounding single fathers don’t just hurt them; they also impact their children. When society assumes that fathers are less capable caregivers or views them as an anomaly, it sends a message to their children that something is “wrong” with their family dynamic. Kids of single fathers may internalize these messages, feeling as though they are missing out on a “normal” upbringing simply because their dad is the one raising them. To change this narrative, society needs to broaden its understanding of what good parenting looks like. Fathers should not have to prove themselves more than mothers do, nor should they be treated as though they are exceptions to the rule. Recognizing single fathers as just as competent and loving as single mothers can help break down these harmful stereotypes and create a more supportive environment for all parents. Single fatherhood is not a sign of failure, nor is it an anomaly that should be treated with suspicion. It is simply another form of parenting, one that deserves recognition, respect, and the same level of support that single mothers receive. By challenging these hidden stereotypes, we can help ensure that single fathers no longer feel like they are constantly fighting against outdated societal biases and instead feel empowered in their role as