Being a single parent raising children can be exhausting, stressful and can feel like a lot of pressure. In “Facts on Single Parents” Karen Friensen and Demand Media reveal that “single moms and dads headed nearly 12.3 million households in 2012, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, with single moms shouldering the vast majority of burden, caring for more than 10.3 million children.” (Quote in text). For many years, everyone viewed single parenthood differently. In today's society there are more single parents than ever before. Whether children grow up in a single-parent home or in a both-parent home, either way they are proven to be successful. Strong single parents have the ability to play the role of mother and father. When parents are able to teach and show their children the things they need to know while growing up, it makes no difference to the structure of the family. While it's not a choice made intentionally by most single parents, people should know that it pays off in the end. There are several reasons why people become single parents. They may be going through a divorce, the death of their partner, or a failed relationship. Being a single parent is a drastic change from the life you once had, but it can be done. My belief is that being raised in a single parent home does not affect the child. Children of a single parent can be just as progressive as those raised with two parents. In “Advantages of Single Parent Families,” an article by Annie Parron, Parron argues that “children who live with a single parent tend to develop independence faster than their peers. Since the parent will likely have a job and many other tasks to do, the children may have to learn to do things for them... middle of paper... you have a closer bond with your child and have the ability to concentrate only about yourself and your child. Giving your child all the time and attention he needs is very difficult when there is another adult in the house. Now, as a single parent, you have the ability to focus more on your child (you can hang out, play games, watch television, etc.) without anyone feeling left out or interrupting the quality time you're trying to share. . What many people don't realize is that when you're a single parent it doesn't always mean you don't have "me time." There are family and friends who are always willing to help and care for your child when you feel like you need a break. It is a parental choice to consider this. Most single parents use their “me time” to learn about themselves. This is a way to learn who you are and how to be happy on your own.