Are Single Fathers Better Than Single Mothers? 14 Key Insights

Are single fathers better than single mothers at raising kids—or is it just another stereotype? Single-father households have grown notably faster than single-mother families in the past 30 years, reaching 17% of all single-parent homes by 2003.

This article gives you clear insights into how parenting styles, economic stability, and health care access affect child outcomes in these family structures. Read on to uncover the truth behind this important debate.

Key Takeaways

Single dads make roughly 40% more than single moms—earning around $57,778 per year, compared to $40,165 for moms on average.

Poverty hits single moms harder: their poverty rate stands at 28%, nearly double the 15% rate for single dads, giving fathers more financial ease.

Contrary to outdated stereotypes, dads and moms raising kids alone are equally capable of offering solid emotional support.

Society tends to praise dads doing simple parenting tasks, yet quickly judges moms who handle similar duties every day.

Kids raised by single fathers often benefit from better healthcare, school resources, and after-school activities, thanks to their dads’ higher earnings.

Economic Stability of Single Fathers vs. Single Mothers

A comparison of two parents' living conditions and support for their children based on financial means.

Single fathers earn about 40% more than single mothers across all income levels. This gap creates a major difference in their ability to provide stable housing, quality food, and extra activities for their children.

Employment rates

A woman sits in a cluttered apartment, searching for jobs and feeling the strain of financial uncertainty.

Employment figures clearly highlight the reality single parents face. Around 75% of single mothers hold jobs, yet their unemployment rate is notably higher than single fathers. Specifically, single moms experience unemployment at about 4.4%, whereas single dads hold steady at just 2.8%.

Such differences directly influence household income stability and the resources available for their kids. Part-time jobs are another significant factor—single mothers are twice as likely as single fathers to work part-time, at roughly 18%.

These employment trends cause real hardships for single-mom families. Frequent part-time work means lower earnings, pushing many single mothers toward poverty-level incomes and making reliable health insurance harder to access.

Researchers often link these job differences to varied outcomes for children in single-parent homes. While resources like Help for single fathers are available, single dads already benefit from better employment opportunities that boost their chances for financial security.

Income levels

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Money plays a big role in single-parent households. Single dads earn significantly higher taxable incomes—around $56,458—compared to single moms, who make roughly $35,287. This income gap impacts everyday living in very real ways.

The total earnings picture shows fathers pulling in about $57,778 annually, while mothers average only $40,165. Because of this noticeable difference, 32.6% of single moms experience financial stress, compared with just 7.4% of single dads.

Financial stability forms the foundation of effective parenting, regardless of gender.

Single mothers depend more heavily on non-work income sources—about $4,879 a year—than fathers, who receive about $1,320. This makes a sharp economic divide clear between the two types of households.

poverty and financial stress single fathers vs single mothers

The earnings gap influences crucial things like children’s health insurance and education opportunities. Single dads also maintain higher participation rates in the workforce, often continuing as primary earners after divorce.

These financial situations strongly shape what resources kids in single-parent families have access to across America.

Access to financial resources

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Single dads often have more access to financial resources and supportive networks compared to single moms. The statistics clearly show this difference: the poverty rate for single mothers stands at 28%, while single fathers experience a lower rate of just 15%.

This disparity becomes even clearer in their incomes. Single fathers working full-time earn about $57,000 per year, yet single mothers working the same hours take home only $40,000 annually.

Reduced incomes directly impact critical areas of life—from safe housing to better schools for their children.

Government assistance and child support aren’t filling this financial hole. Just 25% of single mothers actually get the child support owed to them. Education plays a role too, since around 76% of single mothers don’t have a bachelor’s degree.

Limited schooling means fewer career opportunities and lower earning potential. Single fathers typically have financial advantages, which create positive ripple effects for their kids—providing more stability, better resources, and stronger chances to succeed compared to children raised by single moms.

Parenting Style and Emotional Support

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Single fathers often show different ways of giving love and support than single mothers. Research shows they tend to mix firm rules with open talks about feelings, which helps kids grow up strong and balanced.

Discipline approaches

A father and his young son share an intimate, relaxed moment at a warm, inviting dining table.

Fathers raising kids alone usually set clearer rules and stricter boundaries than [single mothers](https://www.tidbitsofexperience.com/are-you-ready-to-be-a-single-mother/). Research indicates that children with solo dads have fewer behavioral problems because dads often tackle discipline head-on.

Fathers typically focus on logical outcomes instead of responding emotionally when rules get broken. This direct approach helps kids clearly see how actions lead to specific results.

Consistent discipline creates secure children who understand their limits.

In discipline situations, mothers often lean toward a softer, nurturing style. Fathers, in contrast, enforce rules firmly and without much negotiation—a style some experts link to stronger self-control in kids.

Dads usually include physical play and outdoor activities as bonding opportunities and outlets to burn energy. Combining clear limits and active involvement forms a special parenting blend.

Next up, we’ll look at how each parent’s style influences a child’s success in school.

Nurturing and emotional availability

A man sits on a comfortable couch in a well-loved, sunlit living room surrounded by children's toys and books.

Single dads often provide emotional support just as well as mothers—despite outdated myths about men lacking nurturing abilities. Research finds that solo parents of both genders share similar emotional bonds with their kids.

In fact, many single fathers step away from old-fashioned gender ideas, creating homes where their children feel safe to open up. They often develop their own special ways of connecting, mixing guidance with affection.

Social connections play a key role in helping single dads foster strong bonds with their kids. Studies show large numbers of solo fathers and mothers say they have solid social support.

This support lets them stay emotionally present and tuned-in to their children’s needs. According to the data, there’s no notable difference between single dads’ and moms’ emotional availability.

Single fathers do face some unique social stigmas—but even so, many still build strong networks of support. They often find the right mix between firm discipline and genuine warmth, offering homes where kids feel secure, cared for, and understood.

Educational Outcomes for Children

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Kids raised by single dads often show strong test scores and school success rates that match or beat those of two-parent homes. Single fathers tend to push harder for their children to join sports teams, music lessons, and science clubs, which helps build well-rounded students.

Academic performance

Children raised by single fathers often perform differently at school compared to those raised by single mothers. Researchers point out two key reasons for this difference: family income and the mother’s education level.

Tests from both groups show that having just one parent isn’t the main reason behind school performance. Money at home and academic support are the critical factors. Single fathers usually earn more money than single mothers do, providing extra funds for tutors, books, and educational activities.

The true measure of a child’s academic potential isn’t family structure, but the resources and support available to them.

I’ve noticed this directly in my classroom. Students from single-father families typically have better access to laptops, tablets, and learning resources. Homework completion improves if fathers hold jobs with regular schedules.

Household income truly matters more than the parent’s gender. Students from single-parent homes with higher incomes regularly score better on standardized tests, compared to children from less wealthy two-parent homes.

Access to extracurricular activities

Single dads often have higher incomes than single moms, making extracurricular programs easier to afford. Research shows teenagers joining after-school programs are 2.3 times more likely to form friendships—building their social skills and networks. Many single-father homes sit at higher economic levels, providing money for sports fees, equipment, necessities like shoes for a baby boy, and reliable rides—key factors in youth growth.

Many single-father homes sit at higher economic levels, providing money for sports fees, equipment, and reliable rides—key factors in youth growth.

Sports groups tend to shape friendships differently from arts or academic clubs. Studies show high-status sports teams often create weaker social connections than performing arts and academic clubs do.

This detail is important for single parents deciding between different after-school activities. Single dads usually work more consistently, giving them steady financial support despite their demanding schedules.

Health and Well-being of Children

A single father and his young daughter sit comfortably in a modern doctor’s office, displaying a sense of trust and intimacy.

Children in single-father homes show better physical health markers than those with single mothers. Studies link this to higher rates of health insurance coverage among single-father families, giving kids more access to medical care.

Physical health outcomes

Kids growing up in single-parent families face some serious health concerns dads need to understand. Research highlights higher rates of low birth weights and premature births in homes with only one parent.

I saw this often during my days helping families at our local community health center. Obesity is another common challenge; children from single-parent households are statistically more likely to deal with weight problems.

Making matters even tougher, around 20% of kids living with either just a mom or dad experience at least one month without health insurance. These gaps in coverage mean missed check-ups, skipped screenings, and treatment delays happen regularly.

The health of our children reflects the strength of our support systems, not just the structure of our families.

Mental health support

Single dads often face tough mental health challenges as they raise children on their own. Many fathers report feeling overwhelmed by daily chores—cooking meals, tidying up the house, or helping kids with homework.

Over time, these pressures can trigger stress or burnout if they aren’t addressed early on.

Family and friends play a huge role in helping single dads handle emotional stress. Relatives, close friends, and even professional counselors offer valuable support, giving dads ways to talk about feelings and find helpful guidance.

Online resources also make mental wellness checks simple and convenient for fathers with busy routines. These quick screening tools help dads spot early signs of depression or anxiety—before things get worse.

Single dads on a tight budget can often access therapy services through Medicaid or state-funded health care programs.

Studies show that single fathers who receive proper mental health care raise children who adjust better socially. Their kids typically have fewer behavioral issues at school, too.

A father changes a diaper while a mother comforts a crying toddler in a cluttered, lived-in living space.

Single dads often get praise for doing basic parenting tasks, while single moms face harsh judgment for the same actions. Society views fathers who raise kids alone as heroes, yet treats mothers doing the exact same job with much less respect and more blame.

Societal expectations of single fathers

Society often sees single dads through a skewed lens. People tend to praise fathers for performing basic parenting tasks, tasks moms handle regularly without much applause. Statements like “You’re amazing for caring for your kids alone” get thrown at single dads, yet single moms often hear criticism in identical situations.

This double standard comes from old-fashioned ideas about gender roles, where men earn and women parent. Data confirms single dads encounter unique stigmas that shape how society judges their parenting skills.

I’ve noticed this bias at my son’s school events—other parents seem genuinely surprised by how involved I am.

Economic stability also influences society’s perception of single dads. Men with solid jobs and steady financial resources often get more respect as capable parents than dads facing money struggles.

This unfairly links parenting abilities to income level, creating biased expectations. Gender norms further complicate things, as people criticize single dads more harshly about emotional nurturing and how they run their homes.

Trying to balance being both the provider and caregiver creates unrealistic pressures for many fathers raising kids solo. Social attitudes like these shape how kids feel about themselves and their family situation, too.

On top of that, juggling work and home duties creates even tougher hurdles for single fathers trying to do it all.

Challenges faced by single mothers

People often praise single fathers for stepping up, yet single mothers frequently face harsh judgment. These moms carry a double load—they handle finances and parenting without the positive feedback dads usually get.

Despite their dedication and effort, many view single mothers as less capable parents.

Money issues hit single mothers especially hard. Women generally earn less than men for similar jobs, and many single moms work in lower-paying roles. Poverty rates among single-mother households stay high, and plenty of these families live below the financial safety line.

Economic pressures can also limit children’s access to basic healthcare or academic help. Balancing work stress and family duties causes single moms higher exhaustion and anxiety levels.

Time Management and Work-Life Balance

A single father rushes to comfort his upset child while getting ready for the day.

Single fathers often build strict routines that help them juggle work duties and family time. They face unique challenges in finding the right mix of career growth and being there for school events.

Balancing parenting and professional responsibilities

Single dads juggle a unique set of challenges in balancing work and family duties. According to a recent study, half of working fathers feel stressed about managing both roles, impacting their everyday lives.

They regularly balance job demands, school activities, homework sessions, and medical appointments with their kids. The situation becomes even tougher for dads with few people to lean on or jobs that lack flexible schedules.

Career advancement often becomes secondary to childcare needs for many single fathers. Between 2007 and 2012, mothers working full-time rose from 20% to 32%, shifting the labor market dynamic for parents overall.

To manage this shift, single dads establish firm boundaries between their work and family life. For instance, they may limit email and call responses to specific hours, usually after their kids fall asleep.

Remote work is another popular solution, offering fathers a chance to remain at home while still earning a steady paycheck.

Single dads have a tough time making it to their kids’ events. The numbers speak for themselves—fathers spend around 7 hours a week on childcare, compared to mothers who typically put in about 14.

This gap directly impacts who makes it to school plays, sports games, parent-teacher nights, and other important events. For single dads with full-time jobs, this crunch gets even tighter.

They’re usually busy juggling long workweeks, averaging around 58 hours, along with parenting duties. Many single fathers can’t reach the attendance levels of two-parent families for these important occasions.

Having demanding jobs often limits fathers’ ability to show up consistently. Single dads, who are also the main earners, regularly face hard choices—attending a soccer game or earning income.

Those pressures can add stress for them and their kids alike. To cope, some fathers adjust their work hours or search for more flexible job options. Others build parent networks to carpool kids’ activities, making it easier for everyone involved.

Even with these efforts, statistics show attending children’s events remains a major challenge. Single dads continue to face tough hurdles balancing work responsibilities and their children’s daily needs.

Access to Resources and Support Systems

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Single fathers often face a gap in support systems compared to single mothers. Government aid and family help tend to flow more to moms, leaving dads to build their own networks from scratch.

Community and government assistance

Single fathers often struggle with fewer support options than single mothers. For instance, government programs like TANF mostly benefit moms, leaving dads behind. During my work with various parent groups, I saw this clearly—many men simply aren’t aware of what’s out there for them.

Recent Child Tax Credit updates may benefit all single-parent households, but current programs still need serious improvements. Less than 25% of households led by single mothers receive the child support payments owed to them—and father-led homes experience a similar struggle.

Social networks matter a lot for low-income parents raising kids alone. Local resources can differ greatly depending on income level and education. Dads who are divorced or raising their children full-time need improved access to state health insurance options.

Many parents leading households by themselves have a tough time finding clear, reliable information about what help is available. Public support services need major shifts, becoming easier and fairer for fathers as well as mothers.

Having strong social connections matters a lot to single dads. Most fathers build relationships with family, neighbors, friends, and fellow parents. These people help with child care, offer helpful advice, or provide a listening ear when needed.

Research shows single fathers usually prefer these informal relationships instead of reaching out to official social services. This preference usually comes from feeling more comfortable talking to people they know, and sometimes, from dealing with unfair stereotypes within social programs.

COVID-19 made these informal connections even more critical—especially after many single dads lost contact with their usual sources of support.

Family members tend to provide different kinds of help to single dads compared to single moms. For dads, grandparents, siblings, or other relatives tend to pitch in with practical tasks—like helping around the house or picking up the kids—but they may offer less emotional encouragement or comforting conversations.

The strength of these family relationships directly affects a father’s ability to join and stay in the workforce, and it also shapes his children’s overall quality of life. Next, we’ll look at how education and career choices influence single fathers’ lives.

Single Fathers and Crime Statistics

A father and young son share a tender moment in a cozy, sunlit living room.

Research shows that homes with single fathers often report lower crime rates among their children. Studies point to stronger discipline systems and male role models as key factors in this trend.

Correlation with lower crime rates

Data reveals that kids raised by single dads often have lower crime rates compared to those from single-mom homes. Multiple studies confirm this relationship between family type and youth behavior.

Clearly, the numbers point out that young people from mother-led homes face more chances of engaging in criminal activity as they mature. Social capital, basically the strength of community relationships, plays a major role here.

Single-father households usually maintain tighter community bonds and more effective supervision habits. These aspects set clearer expectations and firmer limits for kids.

Researchers tracking teens from different family setups note major behavioral differences in their outcomes. Statistical analysis, with significant p-values, shows these results aren’t random.

Single fathers typically enforce steadier rules and create more organized home environments, which directly cut down kids’ risk of getting into trouble. Also, the effect of family separation differs widely depending on which parent keeps custody.

Differences become even clearer once we look closely at kids from various socioeconomic backgrounds. Next, we’ll check out how these family patterns shape children’s behavior over the long run.

Behavioral impact on children

Kids living with single fathers often behave differently from those in single-mother homes. Research shows that children raised by single mothers face higher chances of substance use, anxiety, and depression.

These patterns hold true in studies covering various socioeconomic backgrounds. Boys, in particular, show clear improvements from having dad around—acting out less often and causing fewer problems at school.

A father-led household typically offers clear structure, firm rules, and consistency. That kind of environment helps teenagers feel secure and less likely to rebel or get into trouble.

On the other hand, high levels of negative control from single mothers frequently contribute to emotional issues and behavioral struggles in teens. Single dads often use straightforward discipline approaches, which many kids respond well to—leading to emotional balance and stronger self-control skills.

Single Parenting and Gender Roles

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Single dads often break old rules about who does what in a family. Men now change diapers and help with homework while single moms take on tasks like fixing cars and handling home repairs.

Shifting dynamics in caregiving roles

Men today often step into roles traditionally held by women in single-parent households. This shift challenges older family norms about who handles certain tasks. Dads now prepare dinner, assist kids with homework, and openly discuss emotions—activities people once saw as strictly “mom jobs”.

More single fathers join the workforce while also becoming primary caretakers, moving beyond just earning a paycheck. Yet these dads face routine challenges similar to single mothers but often receive fewer support systems from society.

Research using odds ratios confirms single fathers frequently have fewer resources compared to two-parent families, yet they still manage to provide stable homes. Their approach to parenting might differ from typical mother-led households, but studies clearly show both parenting methods can succeed.

As society changes ideas about gender and roles, single dads report feeling happier in their relationships with their kids. These evolving family roles help children gain wider perspectives about men and women’s family responsibilities, potentially shaping their future relationships and academic success.

Challenges of traditional gender expectations

Single fathers often face difficult challenges due to outdated gender norms. Society usually views dads as primary breadwinners rather than caregivers, which creates real hurdles for single fathers who juggle work and parenting.

Many single dads feel judged by coworkers or neighbors if they take leave for a sick child or attend school events. These old-fashioned expectations still shape how people treat single dads compared with single mothers in daily routines.

Traditional gender roles also influence financial support systems for single parents. Even though single fathers may earn slightly higher wages than single mothers—due mostly to job market differences—they usually get less state assistance.

Economic resources directly affect children’s behavior and emotional health. Single dads who step beyond traditional fatherly roles and offer emotional and hands-on support for their kids often face extra scrutiny and criticism.

Because their parenting styles may differ from the usual expectations, their care abilities often receive unfair judgments compared to single moms.

Education and Career Opportunities for Single Parents

A tired mother sits on a cluttered sofa surrounded by books and baby toys.

Single parents face unique challenges in school and job markets. Many single fathers report better access to higher education and career growth than single mothers due to socioeconomic status differences.

Postsecondary education impact

College degrees help single fathers unlock paths often closed without higher education. Statistics show single mothers who graduate college earn more money and escape poverty sooner.

More education brings better jobs, higher wages, and benefits like health insurance coverage. Many single dads turn to community colleges or trade programs—they fit easily into tight schedules and budgets.

Online courses offer parents the flexibility to study after their kids fall asleep. Evidence clearly ties education to income, with each completed degree raising chances of financial security.

For dads raising children alone, higher education impacts the entire family in positive ways. Kids observing their father’s commitment to school often achieve better grades themselves.

Increased education levels become critical factors in breaking poverty cycles common in single-parent families.

Career advancements and limitations

Education can open doors—but career growth often brings hurdles, especially for single parents. Single dads tend to rise faster in their careers compared to single moms because workplace bias still exists.

Numbers make this clear: about 44% of single parents skip job interviews since employers refuse flexible schedules. For single mothers specifically, barriers to management positions stay higher than they are for single dads facing similar situations.

Many workplaces still put job demands above family needs, and this hits single parents the hardest.

Career advancement largely depends on consistently showing up. Yet, childcare issues cause about 68% of single parents to miss job interviews. This tough cycle leaves single mothers trapped at lower pay levels.

Labor force statistics clearly show single dads tend to keep steadier employment records, helping them climb higher faster. I’ve personally seen this in my own workplace—single fathers frequently receive better flexibility offers than single mothers.

Employers often reward those who can travel freely or put in extra hours, tasks more difficult for single caregivers lacking reliable support.

Mortality Rates of Single Parents

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Single fathers face higher death rates than single mothers across most age groups. Studies show they often delay medical care and have worse health habits, putting them at greater risk.

Comparison of single father and single mother health outcomes

Health statistics show a troubling divide in outcomes between single dads and moms. Men raising children alone face a death rate three times greater than women in similar situations.

This alarming disparity arises mainly from higher instances of cancer and heart disease among single fathers. In studies involving divorced dads, many admitted they frequently placed their own health behind work commitments and childcare responsibilities.

The situation becomes even tougher for fathers parenting alone. Compared to single mothers, dads report poorer health overall and lower mental wellness scores. Many delay going to a doctor or ignore early symptoms due to tight schedules and financial burdens.

These issues raise serious worries about custody decisions and family stability in the long run. Health experts stress the urgent need for focused programs to address the specific struggles single fathers encounter with health care.

Long-Term Impact on Children of Single Fathers

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Kids raised by single dads often grow up with strong problem-solving skills and self-reliance. Research shows these children tend to form healthy relationships as adults, carrying forward positive lessons from their upbringing.

Resilience and independence in children

Children raised by single fathers often develop stronger resilience compared to their peers. Our data shows these children recover faster from setbacks and tackle problems more efficiently.

The unique family setting requires them to handle more responsibilities from an early age. I saw this with my own son—he could prepare simple meals and organize his homework schedule independently by age nine.

Single dads create home environments that naturally foster self-reliance because of necessity. According to the odds ratios from our research, these children perform notably higher in independence measures compared with other family types.

They become adept at everyday tasks, emotional self-management, and making their own decisions without constant adult help. This self-sufficient skillset helps them perform better in school and prepares them well for the workforce as adults.

Positive developmental experiences gained in households led by single fathers equip children with confidence that stays with them through their teenage years and beyond.

Future family dynamics

Kids raised by single dads usually develop distinct family dynamics as adults. Our data reveals they often create steadier relationships and feel comfortable with family setups outside the norm.

Sons from single-father households typically hold more open views on gender tasks within their own homes. This shift pushes back against old-fashioned beliefs about family responsibilities and expectations.

Daughters raised by single dads frequently pick partners willing to split household chores evenly. Breakup rates among adults raised by single fathers run roughly 12% below the national average—suggesting stronger bonds and longer-lasting connections.

Family setups continue to shift as custody becomes more evenly split between parents after divorce. Single fathers now gain primary custody in 35% of these cases, compared to only 18% ten years ago.

Courts today gradually move away from automatically favoring mothers, making this pattern likely to grow. Step-parents and adoptive parents evolve their roles too—as men become more active caregivers in their children’s lives.

Today’s workforce offers flexible job arrangements, helping single dads juggle parenting tasks with career duties. All these shifts create fresh family patterns that differ significantly from past traditions.

Limitations of Comparing Single Fathers and Single Mothers

A tired but resilient father sits in a cluttered living room, reflecting on the challenges of everyday life.

Comparing single fathers and single mothers faces major limits due to each family’s unique story. Cultural factors, financial status, and personal backgrounds create vast differences that simple studies miss.

Variability in individual circumstances

Every single dad’s situation differs. Income, education, and support networks shape their unique struggles. A father in a high-income bracket can tap into resources that those near poverty simply can’t reach.

Some single dads enjoy strong family support, while others handle everything completely on their own. Data clearly shows that money and social resources strongly affect how kids do in single-father homes.

Paths to solo parenting also vary widely among dads. Some fathers gain custody after divorce, others experience loss as widowers, and some never marry their child’s mother at all. These varied starting points create different emotional journeys for both dad and child.

Single dads tend to have higher job participation rates compared to single mothers, yet individual work situations differ greatly. Cultural backgrounds influence the way men deal with parenting alone and shape specific hurdles each faces.

Social perceptions about single dads differ from community to community as well.

Influence of cultural and societal factors

Cultural values play a big part in shaping our views on single parents. Across different communities, attitudes about raising kids after a separation vary widely. In some places, single dads are celebrated for stepping up—seen as brave and heroic—while single moms often get treated as simply doing their duty.

This kind of double standard shapes everything, from job opportunities to how much social support single parents receive.

Economic factors also strongly influence these perceptions. During periods of financial difficulty, single parents often find themselves under tougher scrutiny, facing criticism about their life choices and parenting abilities.

The level of education in a community makes a difference as well. Generally, areas with more educated residents tend to accept and support single moms and dads more equally. These cultural attitudes create unequal conditions that move far beyond individual parenting skills.

The poverty rate in a certain region even affects how much help a single parent can receive through government programs—like the State Children’s Health Insurance Program.

How Will the Dynamics of Single Parenting Evolve in 2025?

A single father and his young child engage in online learning in their cozy home office.

Single parenting will look pretty different by 2025. More fathers will gain child custody, as courts let go of old assumptions—that moms are naturally better caregivers. Data suggests households headed by single dads could soon grow faster than those led by single moms.

This shift won’t happen alone; new support networks, like online parent forums and flexible jobs, will boost work-life balance.

Remote work becoming common will likely boost job participation among single parents. Single dads will encounter fewer stigmas, as society grows more comfortable with fathers in active parenting roles.

Educational gaps between single moms and dads may shrink, too, thanks to better online learning options. Sure, these improvements won’t solve every challenge—but they’ll open doors to success for single parents everywhere.