Where are the fathers? Children need both parents ideally. I am not an expert, but I do know that having both a male and female role model in a kid's life balances their perspective and effects the child's psyche. Now to be fair, if either parent is not in the picture for some reason, a substitute can step in. This can be a grandparent, an aunt or uncle, a family friend, someone who takes on a partial role of caring for the child. Also, many cultures still live in close proximity to their extended family, which can be helpful especially when kids are young. Remember that saying it takes a village to raise a child?