Smart Parenting's State of the Single Mom Survey 2014 Question Title * 1. You are a: Single mom Single dad Question Title * 2. How old are you? 17 to 20 years old 21 to 25 years old 26 to 30 years old 31 to 35 years old Other (please specify) Question Title * 3. How did you become a single parent? My ex and I never married, and we are no longer in touch. My ex and I never married, but we are still in touch. My partner and I have plans of getting married. I am married to but separated from my spouse. My marriage has been annulled, and my ex and I are no longer in touch. My marriage has been annulled, but my ex and I are still in touch. My spouse/partner passed away. Other (please specify) Question Title * 4. How long were you together with your partner? Less than 1 year 1 to 2 years 3 to 5 years More than 5 years Question Title * 5. Why did you and your partner separate, or why did you not pursue marriage? Third party Financial problems We simply grew apart or did not want to be involved with each other anymore. Other (please specify) Question Title * 6. You live: With my parents and with my child Independently with my child Independently and I visit my child With my parents and I visit my child Other (please specify) Question Title * 7. How are you supporting your child? Check all that apply. I work. I work at home. I am unemployed but I receive child support from my child's father/mother. I work and I receive child support from my child's father/mother. I work at home and I also receive child support from my child's father/mother. I get help from my parents. I get help from the parents of my child's father/mother (in-laws) Other (please specify) Question Title * 8. How involved is your child's father/mother when it comes to raising your child? Very much involved. He/she holds sacred the parenting authority we share. As much as he/she can, which is enough. As much as he/she can, which is still not enough. Not really. I think it's better that way. Not at all. Question Title * 9. How much would you want your child's father/mother to be involved when it comes to raising your child? I would want him/her to be very involved in raising our child. I believe it's important that my child has both a father and mother to look up to growing up. As long as he/she makes an effort in being present in my child's life, then that's fine by me. I'd rather he/she stay out of my child's life, and keep it that way. Question Title * 10. Who helps you take care of your child? Check all that apply. My partner/my ex My child's grandparents Friends and/or relatives We have a yaya. Other (please specify) Question Title * 11. Has the law protected and/or helped your concerns as a single parent? Yes, it has helped me very much. Yes, but I feel it could still be improved. No. I think it has a lot of major points to cover and improve on. Question Title * 12. What kind of help do you think does a single parent need the most? Financial aid via the Department of Social Welfare & Development (DSWD) or child support Someone trustworthy to take care of my child when I'm working More work-related benefits and exemptions Marriage or joint-parenting counseling Legal aid Question Title * 13. Are you aware of the Solo Parent ID? Yes. I have already applied for one. No. I have never heard of it. Yes, but I need more information about it. Question Title * 14. How do you find inspiration and information on raising your child as a single parent? I visit parenting websites and read their articles on child care, child behavior, etc. I read books and/or magazines. I am part of a community of single parents. I ask the advice of friends who are also single parents. Other (please specify) Question Title * 15. Who do you look up to as a single parent role model? A single parent celebrity I look up to A friend or relative who has been through the same experiences as mine A mom/dad doesn't need to be a single parent to be my role model. None. I don't need any. Other (please specify) Question Title * 16. What's your go-to stress reliever? Getting a massage or pampering treatment Just enough sleep, really. A night out with friends Quality time with my child/family Reading a book or interesting stories online or via social media Shopping A vacation Other (please specify) Question Title * 17. Are you open to dating and falling in love again? Yes, of course. I would want to be with someone I can grow old and raise my child with. If I meet someone good for both my child and myself Not right now. It's really not a priority as of the moment. No. I'm good on my own. Other (please specify) Question Title * 18. Do you think it's hard for a single parent to get into a relationship? Yes, because some people find the idea of becoming a second parent as a burden It's hard to tell. It depends on several things. Fairly easy for a single mom/dad No. It's just the same as with any guy/girl Question Title * 19. What's the hardest thing about being a parent? Finances Discipline Finding time for myself/taking care of myself Loneliness Legalities Other (please specify) Question Title * 20. Do you feel discriminated against because you're a single parent? If yes, where? At work In my community At church Not applicable Other (please specify) Question Title * 21. What's the best part about being a single parent? The freedom to decide on my own when it comes to home/family/child matters The sense of achievement and pride raising kids on my own The close-knit family ties we all have, my children, my parents, and my family The hugs and kisses I get from my child--cliche but very true, and they're all mine Done