Answer to Question 1
Although overall, children in divorced families have much the same fundamental
developmental experiences of two-parent families, there are some unique differences in
divorced families. There is some evidence that single mother parent-child relationships are
characterized by greater equality, more frequent interaction more discussion, and greater
intimacy and companionship with the parent in residence, especially for older children.
Children in divorced families often have to perform more household roles, and receive
more responsibilities than in two-parent families, and often feel they are more important in
the family unit as a result. They may feel greater responsibility to help the parent through
their own adjustments as part of the family commitment, and may even become closer to
the parent in residence than they might in two-parent families. Single parent mothers were
reported to relinquish some decision-making control to their children, and relate to them
often as junior partners in the family unit.
Several respondents reported more positive feelings from their support parent, and were
more cognizant of and appreciative of their parent's effort to support the family financially
and household work.
Answer to Question 2
T