If there are problems in the partnership and family, a temporary separation can make sense. The Väterboardinghaus in Umkirch offers exactly that: a temporary place to stay for fathers.
In the so-called father boarding house in Umkirch (Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald district), fathers in separation crises can move in spontaneously – and the children are still welcome at any time. Many couples are under a lot of pressure these days: job, household, children, family life. Balancing all of this can be stressful. And the time together as a couple quickly falls short. The situation can then quickly escalate. In these cases, distance sometimes helps. But finding an apartment at short notice is hardly possible, especially in the Freiburg area.
Under one roof with other fathers
Affected men live together with other fathers in the father boarding house of the Caritas association Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald. The house can accommodate six people. Everyone has their own room with bathroom. They only have to share the kitchen. There is also a living room, a playroom and an additional room with overnight accommodation – if the children want to stay overnight. The fathers can usually stay in the house for two to six months with a financial contribution of their own.
Fathers experience what everyday life can be like without a family
Sebastian König* lived in the Väterboardinghaus for around three months. His two daughters, aged six and eight, used to visit him there every weekend. At first he didn’t want to move out of the house and had reservations about this drastic step. But then he dared to do it. “At some point you get to a point where you can no longer live together because too many things have happened,” says König.
“Then it’s nice that you then have this physical separation to first see whether you can still do something about the relationship or not.”
Sometimes a breakup can still be prevented
The distance helped him and his wife, says König, and they were able to get a little closer again. The exchange with other fathers was also good for him: “Because the other father understands you very well and is in the same situation.” Sometimes the fathers would have cooked with the children at the weekend. “It was nice, a family atmosphere.” Sebastian König now lives with his family again.
Information about the Father Boarding House in Umkirch
You can find more information and contact details for the Väterboardinghaus in Umkirch on their website.
*Name changed by editors
