When a parent becomes the only parent in the family, they are more focused on their work and don't always pay much attention to their children. This is a mistake they make because parents need to understand that they are the first role model for their children. Most likely what children see their parents do is what they will think is the right thing to do as they grow up. If children don't get the attention they need, they start to think that their parents don't love them enough. This can affect children mentally and emotionally as children try to find answers to why their parents don't spend as much time. When single parents get involved in new relationships, they may focus more on their new partner and put their children aside. Sometimes stepparents can be violent towards children and even their partner. They can be manipulative and make their partner and stepchildren feel like they aren't good enough. That's when the abuse becomes part of their lives and parents and children tend to believe whatever they are told. When girls grow up without a father they don't have a male figure in their life. They don't know exactly how a man should treat them, so this confuses girls. As they grow up, this could lead to them becoming involved in abusive relationships. When girls grow up without a mother they sometimes become pregnant at a young age because they don't have a female figure to teach them what is right and what is wrong. Daughters are usually closer to their mothers as women are often more understanding and lovable towards their sons. When kids grow up without a father figure they don't know what's right and what's wrong. Without a father figure, boys may look to the wrong male figure. When boys grow up without a mother they believe they are male