You may be one person, but your kids are getting major perks from watching you do so much. iStock

Much to the chagrin of some traditionalists, single motherhood is not a passing phenomenon. Currently, 22 million children are raised by single mothers, and all indications suggest these numbers won’t decrease soon. As an advocate for single mothers, I’ve learned that it’s important to look past stereotypes to examine the real impact of this experience on these kids. Although single moms struggle and often need support, their children reap benefits that serve them well. In fact, they learn lessons that will give them a leg up as they move toward independence and adulthood. Here are seven qualities that children of single moms are more likely to develop than their counterparts in two-parent families: 1. Financial savvy. The majority of single moms live on a budget, so it’s no surprise that their children know the value of a dollar. Unlike so many American kids, children raised by single moms understand what it takes to keep a family financially afloat. They develop a strong sense of how to budget, how to save, what’s important to spend money on, and what purchases would be frivolous. These lessons will serve them incredibly well as they forge their own path toward financial independence. 2. Helpfulness. A mom parenting alone simply can’t do it all, so she needs her child or children to get involved in the running of the household. From a young age, kids of single moms are called on to do dishes, clean, feed pets and more. At my house, I’ve seen lots of my kids’ friends walk away from the dinner table without clearing their dishes or offering to help clean up. The kids who do pitch in without being prompted are often children of single mothers. When you’re raised by Mom alone, you might not enjoy the luxury of having your parents do everything for you, but your helpfulness is noticed and appreciated when you’re out in the world!

3. Resilience. Too often these days, we hear stories of young people who simply can’t cope with change. Colleges, in particular, are finding that an increasing number of students buckle under the strain of their newfound independence. Not so for children of single moms. They’ve observed their mothers’ incredible resilience, and they themselves have had to adjust to new situations. I saw this with my own children, who came to terms with my divorce and have done well in their subsequent transitions. Learning the skill of resilience offers the lifelong ability to adapt and persevere. 4. Appreciation of hard work. Most single moms are extremely hardworking, juggling jobs and family with few resources. Children of single moms watch their mothers’ tireless dedication and come to appreciate their struggles. Not to mention, the added challenges make victories even sweeter. When a single mom gets a raise or promotion, or is able to save enough money to pay for something special, her child sees the connection between Mom’s sacrifice and her success. The habit of hard work trickles down and is forever embedded in these children’s character. 5. Enlightened view of gender roles. Daughters of single mothers learn that they don’t need a man to be happy or successful. Meanwhile, boys raised by single moms learn to value women’s strength and independence. Because single mothers do it all, they challenge traditional expectations about what a woman can or should do. As a result, their children benefit from a much more enlightened view of gender roles. Ask any grown man about his single mom, and you’re sure to hear a poignant description that transcends traditional experiences.