Parenting

Parenthood requires a long-term commitment. Parenthood includes caring for a child emtionally, physically, and financially. Children require attention and nurture in order to develop well and live a happy life. Children also require food, shelter, and transportation (to/from school, sports practices, music lessons, etc.). Children can be raised in either single-parent or two-parent environments. Either way, parenting is a commitment to the child for at least 18 years of her or his life. However, parenthood can also be a very rewarding experience. Parenting allows a person to help their child learn and grow and develop into an adult.

Single Parent

Being a single parent comes with a lot of responsibility. Single parents must care for the child either on their own or with the help of friends and family members. Whether or not a single parent has help from other people, taking care of a child's needs - both physical and emotional - is a difficult job. Many single parents have to care for a sick child, take the child to and from school, and pay for all of the child's food need all on their own.

Two Parents

There are many ways that two parents can raise a child. The parents may or may not be married, living together, or even in a relationship. For parents who are not living together, it can be difficult to communicate when and how each parent will spend time with, nuture, and support the child or children. Parents who do live together may experience a lot of strain on their relationship (especially if they have never lived together before). Raising a child with two parents also offers a lot of benefits. Two parents can be much more flexible than one, and may be able to help each other out with supporting the child both financially and emotionally.