| Single parents often worry that their children will | | | | see different approaches to life and hopefully, take the |
| somehow be damaged from living in a single parent | | | | best of both homes to use in establishing their own |
| family. While a single parent family may not be the | | | | households as adults. |
| ideal situation for raising children, many two-parent | | | | Often, a child with parents who live apart will gain a |
| families are also less than desirable. Kids can actually | | | | stepparent or two. Your child's extended family will |
| benefit from living in a single parent family. | | | | then be even larger, giving her more chances to |
| Results of studies have indicated that a home filled | | | | develop meaningful relationships with caring adults. |
| with conflict is the least desirable home environment | | | | Your kids may even get exposure to new ideas or |
| for children. When the child's prior two-parent | | | | experiences that could ultimately lead to a career or |
| household included frequent fighting and discord | | | | hobby for your child. |
| between the adults, the child can benefit from living in a | | | | Kids who live with only one parent tend to develop |
| one-parent home provided that the conflict is stopped. | | | | independence faster than their peers. Since the parent |
| A parent who is no longer devoting time to warring | | | | will probably have a job and other many other duties |
| with a partner may have more energy to give to the | | | | on their plate, the kids may have to learn to do things |
| kids. Children observe adult relationships and usually | | | | for themselves such as preparing a simple meal or |
| apply what they have learned to their own | | | | participating in household chores. Kids with |
| relationships as adults. By residing with only one parent, | | | | stay-at-home parents or two parents in the home |
| the child may actually have a chance to observe | | | | may not have as many opportunities to take part in |
| healthier adult relationships. | | | | the day-to-day responsibilities of running a household. |
| Children learn valuable lessons from dealing with hard | | | | The kids also learn that they need to be ready to take |
| times and having different lifestyle from many of their | | | | care of themselves, since they, too, could end up on |
| peers Your family may not represent the stereotypical | | | | their own or in a single parenting situation someday. |
| American family, but there can still be lots of love and | | | | A favorite benefit of many kids from single parent |
| fun in your home. | | | | families is that they often get two or more celebrations |
| A single parent may actually have more time for the | | | | for each holiday. They may get two sets of gifts at |
| kids that a married parent would have. Since there is | | | | Christmas, often getting more stuff than they would |
| no longer a spouse around at mealtime, meals don't | | | | have if the parents were together. Two Easter |
| have to be as substantial and can be structured | | | | baskets, valentine's gifts, etc., are also enjoyed by |
| around kid-friendly ingredients. If your former partner | | | | many of these children. |
| was not very involved with housework, you may have | | | | Two-parent homes can often provide many |
| more time since you now have one less person to | | | | advantages. However, single parent homes can offer |
| care for. Financial worries may actually be fewer. Yes, | | | | many opportunities for self-growth for children along |
| you have less income, but you also have total control | | | | with other benefits. You can commiserate with your |
| over the expenditures that you may not have had | | | | kids about their ?different? lifestyle from their peers, |
| while with your partner. | | | | but be sure to stress the advantages of their situation, |
| The opportunity to spend time in two separate homes | | | | too, along with offering lots of love. Your family can be |
| can be a good experience for your children. They will | | | | a successful as a single parent family! |