People think single parents are cheating the system. Using it to live off benefits, get cheap housing and other things. This isn't true! A lot of single parents have their own homes, work and manage family life quite successfully. It's not only women who are single parents a lot of men are as well. This is due to a change of circumstance, be it divorce or sadly even death.



Men have started their own Father and Toddler groups as opposed to Mother and Toddler; some men find it discriminating towards single dads. With these groups strong friendships are formed, so you always have someone to talk to, and who knows how you're feeling.

It's not always easy being a single parent; you have the role of mum and dad especially if the other parent isn't around. You are there twenty-four hours seven days a week.

Some people find themselves in a dilemma. Do they go to work and arrange childcare? Or do they stay at home till their children start school? A lot of people have managed this by working from home, so they're at hand if anything does happen.

I was a single parent for about two years; I got myself a part time job as a lunchtime supervisor at a school. This worked well for me, as I was there when my daughter went and came home from school. Also I was off at school holidays.

There are support groups for single parents, as it can be stressful and you may feel like a failure or even isolated, this can lead to depression and other disorders. Remember whether you're a single mum or dad, you're great at what you do, and your kids love you no matter what. It may be a big challenge, but it's also very rewarding.

In England 1 in 4 children will be with a single parent in their minor years, while in the United States it's higher.

Children will often develop certain strengths being in a one parent family, they can suddenly find the ability to help with every day chores, start to look after themselves, and younger siblings. Children adapt to changes in lifestyle very quickly, and sometimes with little fuss. Even when we're feeling know and trying not to show it, they can sense mummy or daddy are feeling sad, they always come up with the right answer, even the smallest of hugs can mean the whole world to us.