Parenthood is hard and single parents have the attendant difficulties that come with one person having to do the work of two, usually less money, less energy, more obligations, complicated living arrangments (like living with parents or wondering if they should marry or move in with someone else) etc. If you've got married couples who aren't doing better than a single parent, I think the married couple is probably doing a crappy job - or the single parent is a multi millionaire with a saintly disposition, no more than a part time job and lots more help that the average Joe has access to. Raising a child is exhausting, expensive, heart breaking, exhilarating and time consuming. Multiple children make it all the more difficult.

Single parents can be absolutely wonderful parents but it is so hard. And there are things a mother can model that a father can't, and vice versa. Sure, you can supplement with uncles, aunts, grandparents of the opposite sex, etc., but it takes a lot of work and none of it happens on its own. That doesn't mean that a child of a single parent can't have a fabulous life - but it increases the odds against it. You need to have a single parent practically put their lives on hold to meet all the child's BASIC needs and, frankly, that probably isn't really good for kids. Kids need to be part of a household, not the center. But single parents typically have to keep the kids front row center just to get the basics covered. I think kids need every advantage they can get and the more people who dearly love them, who would die for them, sacrifice for them, put them first, the better. Parents tend to do that. Others, not so likely. Grandparents would give all they've got but should be allowed to be grandparents. Every child deserves grandparents to dote on them and offer a prospective that parents in the trenches are likely to overlook. God bless the grandparents who help their grown child get back on their feet and are ready as backup when needed.

Is a bad marriage worse - sometimes. Depends on how bad.

Folks are quick to offer reassurances that a single parent can do a great job and I understand why they do that. But don't think that it just works out that way. Platitudes don't take the place of the hard, hard work that is it to be a good single parent. If someone is willing and able to do that, they'll earn their halo. But obviously, you wouldn't wish a hard life on your child - and single parenthood leads down that road more often than not. The stats are clear and consistent that children without marriage is the single greatest cause of poverty for women and children. In many cases think bad neighborhoods, two jobs, not being able to go to parent/teacher conferences during the school day, doctor's appointments after a long day's work, having someone else fetch your child from school when he/she is sick - you get the picture.

Just my thoughts.