Challenges are everywhere, such as handling the distance from work to the child's school in emergencies, or managing the time to make all the meetings and social events that enrich the child's life. It's an awesome responsibility to parent alone, and it can be isolating. Often the only social network available is a homogenous group of other single parents, which helps to share resources, but doesn't provide access to the larger community. It can also be hard in social situations, walking into an established community alone. Social and recreational activities may not be pursued due to this discomfort, shortchanging the whole family.
Nobody has to explain having two parents, but there are always questions about having just one.
Children of single parents are impacted in other ways too. He learns that his family can work out their own system of love and support, and that he can count on its validation. This positive self image of a family is the most critical factor for success. The family develops an internal closeness and a sense of confidence that things will work out, despite changes and fluctuations. What makes the difference is the feel ing that the family can create it own success.