Should raising a child be the responsibility of both parents? Some people think that the responsibility falls on both parents since it took two participants to bring the child into the world. Others don't think that 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, so it 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 bring into the world together. I say this with the understanding that the child was not given up for adoption, but remains with one or both biological parents. Some parents believe that despite having a partner who has contributed equally to the making of a life that has been put into the world, they should be held accountable and be responsible for the child as well. Regardless of whether the child's parents are married or not, both parents may remain active participants in the child's life and still share the responsibility of raising the child. When you are a single adult, you have one main responsibility, and that is to take 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 individuals begins with understanding the role of parents. Of course, you don't need 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 children, so while they are young we need to make the most of it. This is your window of opportunity to build a......paper forum......child and family statistics forum. (2013). Family structure and children's way of life. Retrieved from ChildStats.gov: http://www.childstats.gov/americaschildren/famsoc1.aspLarimore, D. W. (2007). iMOM. Retrieved from Inspiration.Ideas.Information.Insight: http://www.imom.com/ispecialists/dr-walt-larimore/the-parental-team-it-takes-two/Logan, J. (2012, February 14) . "It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men." Retrieved from The Courier: http://www.jameslogancourier.org/index.php?itemid=1552National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University (CASA). (2001, February). National Survey of American Attitudes on 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