While different than a nuclear family, single-parent families have their own strengths from which to build.  If there is significant conflict between two parents before a divorce, the change to a single-parent family may result in less hostility and an increase in solidarity.

• A single parent may have the flexibility to spend more time with his or her children without the demands of another adult. Single parents don't have to concern themselves with a spouse's needs or schedule.
• Single parent families may become more interdependent, finding that working together helps solve problems. Because single parents generally rely heavily on the voluntary cooperation of their children, it is a good idea to involve them with the decision-making and problem-solving processes. Young people tend to feel more needed and valued as contributing members of the household and are more likely to carry out decisions they played a part in making. In single-parent families, each child's help and cooperation is needed on a daily basis.
• Single parenting can present challenges that often require new skills and further education. Single parents may discover new strengths they didn't know they had as they take on new responsibilities.
• Single-parent families can provide support to each other. Groups can be a valuable resource for activities, sharing, personal growth and new relationships.