His daughter's friends hang out at his house all day long - but they aren't allowed to stay the night because he's a single dad.

I moved to Australia four years ago with my wonderful daughter. I’d fought hard through the legal system, which is stacked against fathers, but was finally awarded sole custody.

I’d spent years battling to get access and then, suddenly, here we were, registering at a school and building a new life together.

How to prepare your child for school 64873 How to prepare your child for school

The first challenge was even getting onto the school records as her primary carer. They couldn’t cope with putting a father as the primary contact; the system literally didn’t accept it. So, they ended up breaking the rules and putting me down as the mother.

At the first parents' evening it became clear I didn’t fit in - it was mostly couples, a few mums

I was very conspicuous as a lone father. My daughter quickly made friends and started staying over at friend’s houses. I was happy she was integrating and settling in.

A few times, she asked if a friend could stay over. I said, “Of course” – but it never happened.

Every week we had a dedicated night to spend time together. We chatted over dinner and then we’d go to watch a movie.

“So, I asked my friend why she hasn’t stayed over,” she said to me, one movie night, out of the blue just before it started.

“And ... ?” I prompted.

She got all sheepish and said, "because my mum doesn’t think it’s a good idea because you’ve only got a dad at home.”

It took me by surprise

My daughter looked rather upset so I left the conversation there. I couldn’t concentrate on the movie; it was spinning round in my head.

To be honest, I didn’t feel upset or insulted, I felt angry. I kept thinking, “What have I done wrong?”

I’d met these parents face to face; I’d shaken their hands and looked them in the eye. Yet, they saw me as some sexual predator.

I sat fuming thinking, “Why should my daughter suffer because I’m a bloke?”

I felt angry at society

Why does what’s between my legs change me as a person? We’ve really been brainwashed. I felt angry that feminism has these ridiculous boxes that we put people in because of their gender and no one challenges that. Men must be evil; women must be good; it’s just not true. So much for equality.

I felt angry for my daughter. She’s been through enough.

My daughter understands the tension that tends to exist between a man and woman after they separate, because she’s lived through that.

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I was her primary carer from when she was born to the age of five

Then my wife ran off with another man and took our daughter with her. It took me years to win her back, even though she called me all the time - and wanted to be with me.

So, she had an understanding that there are these strange rules in society that something irrational goes on after a breakup, regardless of who has looked after you until that point.

As a single dad there are constant assumptions made that you can’t be trustworthy around children because you’re a man.

I didn’t bring it up with any of the parents, I was too angry. I focused on being civil.

Besides, what would I have said, “Why do you think I’m a sexual predator?” How can you possibly bring that up in conversation? I just had to accept it, I wasn’t going to try to change their minds.

The irony is that her friends have stayed at our house all day

I’ve driven them around and been alone with them in the car for years. But apparently, I may turn into something sinister after dark!

Friends of hers come round even if she’s not home, they like being here. They’ll sit watching TV while I cook. But, as they’ve got older they still won't stay overnight. Interestingly, her new friends do.

I don’t take it to heart because our bond is so strong.

I know everything about my daughter’s life; we talk about everything. I was the first person she told about her first period. We have no secrets. Her friends come around and are very honest because they know I’m easy-going. They’ll talk about who they’re sleeping with - but their parents wouldn’t have a clue.

I love being a single dad

We have a great mini family, but societal judgment does make it hard sometimes.

The world struggles to accept us.

Society has created gendered roles that make it easy to put people in boxes - no matter how much it hurts and impacts individuals.