Mothers of over 12's no longer allowed to claim Income Support?

Bad. Children from single-parent families need the presence of a hands-on parent - and it's a worthwhile investment in the long term. It's bad enough having to be raised with only one parent, but knowing mum won't be there as much when you need her will be awful. It's completely wrong. We need to be investing in our children and providing greater security within the home. I was a single parent and I would have been devastated if I'd been forced to go out to work. I chose to study for a professional career during those years and I'm grateful I was able to do that whilst also knowing I was there when my kids came home, or when they were sick etc. For me, most of the income I received was from child support from my ex, but not every single parent will be getting that to allow them to remain at home with their children. And children need mum or dad at any age, not just during the primary school years.