A father of a little girl reveals some of the most frustrating comments he hears from women, and some are unbelievable!

Michael Ray is a single dad of his precious little princess, Charlie.

The Melbourne personal trainer has been the sole carer of his four-year-old daughter since her mother moved interstate more than two years ago.

He dotes on her, does her hair, takes her to ballet lessons and teaches her manners and life skills like any other loving parent.

But when he’s out in public with Charlie, he can be stung with weird glances, and inappropriate comments from strangers about his parenting. Especially if he is trying to use a public toilet with Charlie, or taking photos of her.

Michael and Charlie love spending time together. Picture: Michael Ray.

Michael says sometimes other parents can be unconsciously biased against single dads, and even more so to single dads of little girls.

“Women are mostly supportive but some say patronising things, like 'how do you manage?' It’s just the same as any single parent,” he tells Kidspot.

“The majority of women I encounter are wonderful and so supportive and complementary but while I'm aware that our family situation is slightly different from the norm it shouldn't be seen as anything different to a single mum."

Michael helps Charlie get ready for dance concerts.

Michael - who recently hit the news for helping overturn a “man ban” backstage at his daughter’s ballet rehearsals and concert - reveals some of the comments he is tired of hearing and wants women to stop saying.

"Are you babysitting today/Is Daddy in charge today?"

I think this is the most common phrase I get. No I'm actually parenting!

I don't know why the assumption is a father must be babysitting and couldn't possibly be the primary or as in my case sole carer of a child.

"Do you want to call your wife and check?"

This comes across as a little rude. It’s usually said in the chemist or a hairdresser’s when I'm trying to decide which product to purchase for my girl.

Dad on hair duty, every day. Picture: Michael Ray

Michael loves doing his little girl's hair. Picture: Michael Ray.

"Who does her hair and nails?"

Me. It’s not that hard especially with all of the YouTube tutorials. She chooses a style and we watch tutorials together learning different braids.

I'm pretty sure there are even male hairdressers, yet the fact that a father has managed to get Charlie's hair done or nails painted is something impressive?

One time when I dressed her nicely we had at least five women throughout the day give really nice compliments about what a fantastic job "mummy" had done making her look so pretty.

Charlie's stylish outfit many women couldn't believe was put together with dad's help. Picture: Michael Ray

Some were in disbelief when Charlie or I told them I had taken care of it, some even going so far as to say 'isn't daddy clever?'

Really? You have to be clever to dress your daughter in what she basically wants to wear?

"How do you manage?"

The same as every other single parent, I have a fantastic family and amazing friends to help out whenever I need them.

But then this usually then followed by…

"Every little girl needs her mum!"

Really? I couldn't imagine saying 'every little boy needs his dad' to a single mum who's doing her best to be everything for her child.

In terms of female influences, she's always around great role models in women some even hold world records in powerlifting and athletics.

Michael and Charlie support each other. Picture: Michael Ray.

Having said all of that to sit down and play Barbies and dress my beautiful little princess up is one of the most unexpected pleasures I've ever experienced and couldn't explain adequately.

Then this already uncomfortable conversation moves onto…

"You'll need help when she gets to puberty!"

Again I couldn't imagine saying that to a single mum with a son!

I'm more than sure if I can manage to read, and have the same wonderful relationship with Charlie we can both help each other through any mutual embarrassment.

Not to mention all of the education that happens as part of the school system nowadays.

Michael enjoys playing with dolls with his princess. Picture: Michael Ray.

“I bet you would've loved a son?”

I'm not sure where this one comes from maybe because I used to be a bit of a macho type man's man.

Formerly a boxer, currently a personal trainer and multiple Australian powerlifting record holder I think the inference is I'm more qualified to mentor a little boy than my princess?

Michael loves to give his little girl flowers. Picture: Michael Ray.

I've never been so aware of the effect of my example will have on Charlie so every two or three weeks I bring home a surprise bunch of flowers in the hope she'll expect this from any future suitors.

Also if ever I feel like raising my voice or being terse with Charlie I can't help but think how I'd feel if I heard her future partner speaking to Charlie like that and how upset I'd be if she somehow thought it was acceptable."