Results of studies have indicated that a home filled with conflict is the least desirable home environment for children. When the child's prior two-parent household included frequent fighting and discord between the adults, the child can benefit from living in a one-parent home provided that the conflict is stopped. A parent who is no longer devoting time to warring with a partner may have more energy to give to the kids. Children observe adult relationships and usually apply what they have learned to their own relationships as adults. By residing with only one parent, the child may actually have a chance to observe healthier adult relationships.

Children will be taught about living through hardships and adapting to differing circumstances during and after the divorce. You may not have the family situation that you originally pictured, but you can still have a wonderful, loving family.

More time with the kids can be a huge benefit of being a single parent. Meals can be simpler since kids tend to have limited tastes and appetites, at least while they are small. If you are used to having a partner that rarely helped with housework, you now have one less person to clean up after and do laundry for. Your time spent on financial matters could be less as you now have total control over your expenditures and record keeping.

Having two different homes can actually be an advantage for your kids. They will get to observe how two families live and hopefully, incorporate the best of both households into their own future adult homes.

Often, a child with parents who live apart will gain a stepparent or two. Your child's extended family will then be even larger, giving her more chances to develop meaningful relationships with caring adults. Your kids may even get exposure to new ideas or experiences that could ultimately lead to a career or hobby for your child.

Out of necessity, children who live in a single parent home become independent faster than their peers. The lone parent juggles many activities and has to earn a living, too. So, the kids have to learn how to fend for themselves on occasion such as helping with chores or at least, how to run the microwave. Children who are raised in two-parent homes, especially if there is a stay-at-home mother, often don't get as many opportunities to learn about managing a home. And, your kids get the added lesson that they need to be able to take care of themselves, since romantic relationships can break up, and they may find themselves on their own.

A favorite benefit of many kids from single parent families is that they often get two or more celebrations for each holiday. They may get two sets of gifts at Christmas, often getting more stuff than they would have if the parents were together. Two Easter baskets, valentine's gifts, etc., are also enjoyed by many of these children.

The ideal family with two parents can be a great situation for children. But, single parent families offer unique advantages for kids. While empathizing with your kids about having to live in two separate households, you can also discuss some of the good things that can come from living in a single parent home. As long as there is lots of love and positive discipline, your family can be a successful family.