Do kids suffer an identity crisis if they don't grow up with mum and dad? (From The Argus)

Blog: The truth about the family home

1:55pm Friday 2nd January 2009

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By Annie-Marie Page, teen outlook »

Identity is important! I wonder if children who don’t live in the same house as their Mum and Dad together may find it hard to establish their identity.

I don’t live with my Dad, I rarely see him. I want to ask you what you think about children living with their Mum some of the time and their Dad for part of the time.

However you may want to ask me what my opinion is on living with only one parent.

I think many people would find this a hard subject to think about.

If a child has two homes they may not feel like they have one place where they really belong, and they may not have a clear understanding of what the expectations of them are in each home.

However, the children would benefit from seeing both parents.

I like my life how it is and wouldn’t wish for anything different, although I used to wish I had a Dad who was a positive part of my life.

Happily, I found my art mentor who is great. As well as teaching me he encourages my love of art, we visit exhibitions with my Mum and he is really fun.

This has made me realise you can gain many things from other people who aren’t family.

I still don’t know what to make of children living between two different homes.

All I know is that there should be the least amount of presure on children as possible.

Home should be a space where children can feel free to explore their identity.

What do you think?

Did you grow up without your mum or dad?

Let me know below.