The father - Psychodynamic approach

Traditionally, the father goes out into the world and brings back the sustainance that the mother-child require. In ancient times, still visible in more primitive places, he deals with the threats from the external world and interrupts the mother-child duo with, 'I too belong with you'.

In psychodynamic thinking, fathers are symbolically associated with rules and regulations - the boundaries that keep a child safe not only from the external world but the internal one. This may take away from empathy and the more maternal aspect of nurturing so that such a father may be seen as hard, someone who comes in the way of freedom to do as we please.

In modern times, single parents do both the roles - breadwinner and maternal preoccupation. This is a double act and difficult to manage. 

However, if managed within a supportive environment, it could be a satisfying experience.