Being raised primarily by one parent is growing more common these days, so why is it that people still feel sorry for us of those who are living and being raised by either mom or dad, and not both? In my opinion, it's getting old being felt sorry for, and the misconceptions people have about it are getting even older. Here are five misconceptions about being raised by one single parent you should probably drop:
1. We aren't as loved.
Growing up with primarily my mom raising me, I feel that other people commonly mistake the fact that I don't receive as much love as other people do with two parents. The thing is, I have always had the same, if not more, love, support and opportunities as those others, and it's offensive and surprising that anyone would even suspect that I am lacking in any of the things listed above. Just because I have one parent loving on me instead of two does not mean that my mom shows me any less love than a mom and dad could together.
2. We don't trust men/women in relationships because of our raising.
This is one of the most frustrating misconceptions about growing up with a single parent. Just because my dad isn't around as much as other people's are, does not mean in any way or form that I don't trust men as much. I don't ever push my blame for my childhood raising on any relationship or friendship that I have with a man in my life. Although I grew up without my dad being around, I have an awesome and healthy relationship with an incredible man whom I have never unreasonably mistrusted.
3. We're bitter.
I believe that everything happens for a reason, and my childhood life is no exception to that. I had an awesome childhood and never grew up knowing or thinking that I was missing out on anything. I have never been bitter about my life or family, and hey, when life gives you lemons, make you some super sweet lemonade!!
4. We get more funding for college because of our single parents.
If some colleges won't pay your tuition for extremely high ACT and SAT scores, I don't understand what makes people think that I get my tuition paid for having one parent financially support me. My mom has worked hard her whole life, as have I, to get to school and to make it as cheap and reasonable as possible. My parents won't affect my college experience or opportunities, but my own hard work and attitude will.
5. We will never have the life we "could've have".
Like I have said my whole life, I truly haven't missed out on anything in my life based on the fact that I've been raised by one parent. My mom has given me life and the chance to love and enjoy every moment of it. I am confident that even with two parents in my life, I wouldn't or couldn't have had more of a loving and enjoyable life.
