<p>Once again, I haven’t been clear. I don’t think single parents necessarily hover; I think single parents are more likely to be out at the extremes (in general, and (of course) it’s a generalization) because of the lack of checks-and-balances. I think ctymomteacher illustrates my point nicely by saying that her daughter uses others-who-don’t-happen-to-be-a-husband to check on her parenting style. Many of the single parents I know don’t ask anyone for help.</p>