Although the number of single-parent families has increased in recent years, many inaccurate beliefs persist. Some of the myths include:

Single Parent Myths: Children who grow-up in a single-parent household are more likely to struggle in school, get into trouble with the law and develop serious social problems.

In reality, single parents have raised many well-rounded, successful people. Many negative predictions for children raised by a single parent have more to do with economic hardship than the lack of one parent. With hard work, love, positive discipline and good parenting skills, single parents can raise capable, content, successful children.*

Single Parent Myths: Children of single parents need role models. The sooner the parent remarries the better.

In reality, children benefit from the presence of both men and women in their family life provided those men and women are emotionally healthy. Children may suffer more harms by living with conflict and unhealthy role models than by having one healthy, effective parent. A single parent with good parenting skills can raise children successfully without a partner by building a good support system, a circle of friends, relatives and neighbors.**

Single Parent Myths: Children of single parents have lower self-esteem.

In reality, children of single parents may be no more likely to suffer from low self-esteem than their peers from a two-parent home. Rather, other factors, such as income level, may be a deciding factor relating to a child's self-esteem. Parents should emphasize to their children that who they are is not based on what they have. A strong sense of self-esteem helps children resist negative peer pressure and gives them the confidence to face challenges and try new things.

Single Parent Myths: Single-parent homes are "broken" homes.

In reality, many parents who divorce or decide not to marry do so because they want to create a stable home for their family. If there is a great deal of conflict in a marriage or relationship, a change to a single-parent family could result in a reduction in tension, hostility and discord and an increase in family solidarity and consistency. It may be the children of parents who remain together despite constant conflict who often encounter problems. When anxiety is high between parents, children's emotional needs could be ignored, rules are not consistently enforced and children feel less secure. When the tension is alleviated, however, single parents can focus on their children's needs. Effective parenting skills and healthy relationships are what make a family whole.