Zonetrader, why do you make the assumption that the child would...

Zonetrader, why do you make the assumption that the child would be left to fend for themselves?

A single parent can still work without leaving a child to fend for themselves.

Not all single parent are doing it solo as you imply, some single parents have lots of support from family and friends.

Also note that even with two working parents, one of them would still need to make arrangements for their 8 year old, including taking time off work when the child was sick.

There is no reason the work a single parent takes on would stop them from looking after their 8 year old child.