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Throughout most of modern history, the script for parenthood has been pretty straightforward: get married, bear children, raise children, take a cruise to Aruba, die. But today's child-rearers have more options than ever before, ranging from different parenting styles and partnerships to IVF and adoption. Our view of people who choose not to raise children with a partner has also shifted dramatically, and we've seen a rise in solo and single parenting since the 1970s to prove it.

In 1984, March 21 was designated National Single Parents Day , to "recognize the courage and dedication" of single parents. Marriage rates overall dropped nearly 20 percent between 1970 and 2021, according to a report from the Center for American Progress . That same

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