[Angus]

When you think about it, there must have been thousands and thousands of single mothers during WW2, whose husbands were killed or missing. In fact even those whose husbands survived the war had been bringing up their kids for 4 or 5 years alone anyway. There was no song and dance made of it then, women just had to get on with it. The only difference being, and it is an important difference, is that there were closer knit communities and extended families living close by to help out.

I am certainly not suggesting it is the ideal scenario, two good parents is always going to be the ideal. It must be great to have a loving, responsible father around as you grow up. At least I always imagined so since I had an alcoholic, sometimes violent, irresponsible one whom I loved and hated in equal measure - that ambivalence towards a parent is not a good emotion to deal with.