My mom was a single mom too - so I trust your opinion here.

I think you might be able to second me on this one - you can tell people anything you can, but you really don't get the perspective on parenting until you're in the midst of it.

I sure didn't - I really have to feel for people who get sideswiped by it. At least I had a reasonably similar experience in caring for Cliff - little fun, tons of work, little sleep, no thanks...and everyone with two cents to toss in, but no assistance.

The difference is in this case, he'll grow up. In Cliff's case, it just spiraled down to an end with nothing to show for it.