Single-mother households have increased by 25 percent in the past decade. Homes with unmarried partners increased by 72 percent.
Children live in at least a third of homes with cohabiting couples.
The obvious answer, say some pundits, is to alter public policy to serve these new families. They also are more likely to do poorly in school than do children with married parents. It shouldn't have to be so hard. As one of the 7.5 million single mothers in America, I understand the state of affairs intimately. The juggle for singles who hold down at least one job and parent alone is exhausting, leaving children with whatever crumbs of attention their parents can give.