Fathering Alone: A Case Study of a Single Father’s Parenting Practices and Their Implications for Early Childhood Development

Abstract

This study explores the parenting experience of a father who single-handedly raises four children, including a two-year-old toddler, after his wife worked abroad as a migrant worker in Taiwan for eight years. The study employs a qualitative descriptive design, drawing from interviews, observations, and document reviews. Findings reveal that the father assumes full responsibility for his children’s emotional, physical, and educational needs, shaping a family culture of independence and mutual care. However, the absence of maternal presence and limited social interaction appear to influence the children's confidence and emotional expression. The study draws on Bowlby’s and Ainsworth’s Attachment Theory to interpret the emotional dynamics within the father-child relationship and identifies key implications for early childhood education and family policy.