One in five Australian families with children under 15 years of age is now headed by a single parent, and the numbers are growing. Relationship breakdown, unexpected pregnancy, death—the reasons for single parent households are clear, but the challenges can be varied and complex. Lone parenting is different in a number of ways to being in a two-parent household and it can have its difficulties. This book explores the changes and challenges for the parents and children of single parent households, and confronts the myths about single parent families. In particular, the book addresses the emotional impacts, financial costs and the issue of welfare dependency. How do we support children and young people through separation and divorce? Although most single parents are mothers, shared care time is now becoming an increasingly common arrangement—what is the involvement of fathers in raising their children? How do you get the balance right in co-parenting arrangements, for the well-being of both parents and their children? Also includes: Worksheets and activities ; Fast facts ; Glossary ; Web links ; Index.