[seatides]

As a single parent, have you ever felt that "double" parents, school staff and/or others, are critical of your parenting skills, either subtly or not-so-subtly?

I have. From both sources! In spite of the fact that they KNOW you're a single parent, these people can sometimes convey their unspoken opinion that your child/ren either:

1) need something that you're obviously not providing (if there's a behavior issue) or

2) would be much more ________ (fill in the blank) if he/she/they were being raised by the double parents.

Have I imagined this? Am I insecure about my parenting skills and therefore hypersensitive? Or have you experienced this too?

Just wondering if it's just me!

[EbayMom]

Seeing that 50% of marriages end in divorce....and alot of women have babies outside of marriage.....I think the "couples" are in the minority. I don't feel less of a parent because I'm divorced....actually, I'm a very strict parent...and often question the teacher's abilities!

[floridamama]

I used to be a single Mom for years, and I honestly did not notice any difference in how I was treated as a single parent.

[mcmama]

I have noticed a huge difference, but I attribute that to the fact that my ex is still very involved in our lives. Whenever there is a problem, it is always my fault. They live with me.

Lots of people at school and church go out of their way to tell him what great kids he has.

I hear that I have great kids "in spite of everything".

It got a bit scary when he was trying to show that they were doing badly in school to prove me incompetent. I think I have really backed off from school involvement since then. I keep in touch, but I tend to not go to the parent association meetings or the back to school nights because he very much shows up to show off.

Actually I have good kids, and they are honor students. Sometimes I think it is just safer if I am invisible. Seems to be working better that way for all.

[seatides]

I guess it must really vary from situation to situation. It probably depends too on the kind of people with whom you interact in your daily life.

[writerchick]

Some people just don't have a clue. I know I didn't understand what it was like to be a single parent until I became one. (I hope I didn't treat anyone differently out of ignorance.)