Should raising a child be the responsibility of both parents? Some believe that the responsibility lies with both parents since it took two participants to bring the child into the world. Others don't think both parents are necessary to raise a child or that they should be held responsible and forced to contribute if they don't want to, and therefore shouldn't be a problem. After studying both sides of the issue, I firmly believe that it is the responsibility of both parents to raise the child they brought into the world together. I say this knowing that the child was not given up for adoption, but remains with one or both biological parents. Some parents believe that even if they had a partner who also contributed to the development of a life that was brought into the world, they should be held responsible and be equally responsible for the child. Whether the child's parents are married or not, it is possible for both parents to remain active participants in the child's life while sharing responsibility for raising the child. When you are a single adult, you have one primary responsibility: taking care of yourself. That's all, just you! However, when you and your partner or loved one agree to have children, you must understand that the duty to raise healthy, responsible people begins with understanding the role of parent. Of course, you don't have to be a perfect parent to raise healthy, highly intelligent children. However, you are absolutely crucial in your child's life simply because you are your child's parent. We only get one chance with our kids, so while they're young, we need to make the most of it. This is an opportunity to create a...... middle of paper agency forum on child and family statistics. (2013). Family structure and children's living conditions. Retrieved from ChildStats.gov: http://www.childstats.gov/americaschildren/famsoc1.asp Larimore, DW (2007). iMOM. Retrieved from Inspiration.Ideas.Information.Insight: http://www.imom.com/ispecialists/dr-walt-larimore/the-parental-team-it-takes-two/Logan, J. (February 14, 2012). “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” Retrieved from The Courier: http://www.jameslogancourier.org/index.php?itemid=1552Columbia University National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA). (2001, February). National Survey of American Attitudes Toward Substance Abuse VI: Adolescents. Retrieved from CASA Ending Addiction Changes Everything: http://www.casacolumbia.org/addiction-research/reports/national-survey-american-attitudes-substance-abuse-teens-2001