Single Parents

[Abi]

This has been on the news a lot today. Where does everyone stand on the Single parents debate?

Basically, theres been a lot of accusations on the news that Single Parents aren't as good at bringing up children as a stable couple in a relationship (Married, or not).

Do you agree with that?

Thoughts please

[Siobhan]

Again, it depends on the person and how they live. When I split from my husband I had to bring my daughter up by myself but I lived with my parents and when I moved out, I still had their support so I could work and they took care of my daughter.

I would rather see a person bring up a child on their own than to be in an abusive relationship where the child(ern) see the damage they are causing each other..

[CrazyLea]

My mate's mum is a single parent, and has been since at least my mate was 7 (she's now 17 - and I've only known her since 7, so maybe before lol). She has 2 children, they don't get anything from the father, they never see him or anything. The woman has no boyfriend or anything, and she does a brilliant job, and has done since I can remember. Infact, they're more well brought up than some of the children around here with 2 parents around (married or not).

So I also think it depends on the situation, as I know it's not always like that. Also think it depends on whether they have support around them - like family and friends ( I think ) And on how lazy they are (If they have a job or not).

[Katy]

I dont see what one parent cant give just as much as two parents. I think in someways its better to be on there own. My mate never known her dad and the bond between her and her mum is so stron, much closer than me and my mum and i htink thats because her mum is all shes known.

[DaVeyWaVey]

We were talking about this is in my PSHE lesson today in school, i believe that single parents can do a brilliant job at bringing up their children just like parents in a stable relationship can. A single parent can give as much love to their children, just like two parents can. I think it's down to the parents behaviour and the way they live that affects the upbringing of a child, not if children have one parent or two parents.

[Chloe O'brien]

I am a single parent bringing up an eight year old girl. Marley has no contact with her dad since she was a baby, that was his decision not mine. We have had no financial support from him. Although I would prefer for Marley to have a father figure more for support. I do agree with what a lot of what has been said already that I would rather give a child a more stable and safe enivornment to live in being a single parernt instead of an unhappy upbringing in a two parent household. I have a few friends who have kids and their boyfriends don't get on with the kids and there is constant arguing all the time.

What annoys me about the government and the media trying to blame single parents if kids are neds and causing trouble all over the place is that they are tarring us all with the same brush. i know there is kids out there running riot and their parents don't give too pennies worth but we are not all like that. I live in a bad housing estate but Marley is always in the house early she doesn't get to roam the streets giving cheek to neighbours.

[Trinity]

One caring parent is worth much more that two parents who don't give a damn.
And, yes, there are lots of parents out there who don't seem to care at all what their kids are doing or who with.

[Siobhan]

well said.. you are 100% right.. there are a lot of parents out there who dont' give a damn.. I would rather see a happy child with one parent than an unhappy one with 2...

[Abigail]

I agree with a lot that's been said, it depends on the situation and the parents.

Being a single parent is tough in all respects, just because there are two parents living together doesn't make it any easier for them or make them the better parents. A single father can do as good a job as a single mother can.

And on the marriage thing... what difference does it make if parents are married? If they live together then that's all that matters. It's very easy to split up and get a divorce. Having a ring on your finger doesn't make a relationship more stable.

Some people don't deserve to have kids the way they treat them and let them roam the streets causing trouble.

[Londoner]

I am also a single parent bringing up my 12 year old daughter.

I have been a single parent for the whole of my daughters life, her father never had any interest in her and also does not pay any support money for her.

But to be honest i don't care! that he does not visit of give money!!!!

My friends and family fully support me so that i am able to work and god bless my daughter is an angel (although i may change that soon as she will be 13yrs old!)

Everyone i know say that i am a great mum!

My daughter is well spoken, kind, polite, helpful, but i think this is due to the fact that i dont let her wonder around on the streets, and i do not let her disrespect her elders, so she is a nice kid.

Oh i have started to go off topic now..........

Anyway, i think that it is nice to have a two parent family but sometimes this is not the case (as with mine and i am sure loads of others) I do think that single parents are indeed just as good as two parent families, but they have to do twice the work!!!!

Wouldn't have it any other way......................