RBR, as someone who is eligible to draw a single parent pension i agree with your statements. I don't draw one on principle, my son is my responsibility alone. I would prefer to be self supporting and i get such a good feeling at the end of the week when i pay my bills and buy the groceries, my "joys" in life have certainly been put into perspective. I've learnt to live on an "oily rag" and to be honest i'm happier for it :)
Kind of ironic that a small amount of the tax i pay goes to help support other single parents though LOL!
