"My name is Michelle Srenco. I am 36. My kids are Ciarah and Jordan, 7 and 9 years old. I am a domestic violence survivor and I have been a single parent for 4 years. In 2013 I escaped the abuse. When your kids don't have a dad in their life, you dress up like one. That's what I did for their Donuts With Dad school event. They loved it. I just want parents to know you can be both parents regardless of what gender you are. Your kids don't care; they just want to feel like everyone else and not feel out of place.

I am also very close to my own dad. He has instilled a lot in me and I have always said he was the best mother I ever had. My dad taught me how to be a man and a woman. I can build and fix just about anything. I am very independent and I try to pass that on to my kids. All of the other dads at the event were very supportive, giving me high fives and pats on the back. After we had donuts, we went to the book fair and I walked them to class and I said in my best dad voice 'Dad loves you, have a great day!' I want to encourage other parents to always be there for their child."


Credits: Michelle Srenco