Is it really the case that 1 in 3 families are a single parent family?

[equinox]

What do you all think? I haven't noticed that at all where I live. My son who is 9 goes to a very upmarket village and there are only a handful of single parent families in each class of over 30 children out of two classes in year 4. I have yet to know any single parent families where I live although my neighbourhood is very insular and does not mix. In addition I go to a spiritual group and there are only 2 single parents i.e. myself and another lady out of over 100 people.

Is it just where I live or is this usual? I am in Derbyshire.

Can there really be as many as the news would have us believe it strikes me there are very few where I live. When I was living in London there were way more.

I am not saying that is good or it is something that society should aspire to but to find more around would at least help resolve the social isolation that single parents such as myself have to endure through no fault of our own....!

[revealall]

Meglet. I'm surprised you think that women cover up their lone parent status. It's such a big ask bringing up children alone I'd imagine most would be proud of the fact not embarrassed.
Perhaps it's just where I live but most people seem to assume ( correctly in my case) that it was the man at fault.
All of the mums AI know single or otherwise work, turn up for parents meetings and meet for coffee/ wine regularly. I don't think partner or husband or lack off if comes in to it. It's just what women do in 2914 and not a cover up

[TensionWheelsCoolHeels]

I don't cover up the fact im a lone parent but I don't shout about it either. I generally don't discuss my circumstances with school gate parents so as far as they would be aware, my status as a lone parent or otherwise wouldn't be known unless I mention it. I've always been the one dropping off/picking up but the same goes for mums in 'coupled' families.

I think it's hard to know unless it's specifically mentioned or asked about in conversation. I don't define myself by the fact I'm a lone parent so it's generally not a topic of conversation I cover in passing.

[equinox]

Most interesting comments so far. I do think a lot depends on the age of the children in question and the demographics too.

ICanHearYou it is good to finally get the information right! Thanks for enlightening me that it is one in three CHILDREN is in a single parent family.

I think the media still has a big way to go in portraying us better too!! Perhaps that is another thread though eh lol.