I just read your comment again and it dawned on me that I didn't look at the single mother aspect @builderofcastles, it would be a partial and illogical view to assume single parents couldn't do a good job.

I am not throwing away the fact that parenting is best done when "The Two" parents are involved, but I must say I have seen pretty great single mothers do a perfect job. Making a mountain out of any of these two instances is to joggle without directions.

Is the other parent alive?...if yes, it be great if the child connects to both sides. If No, you have no choice but to raise your child no way lesser than he would have been raised. You Just have to be the child's PARENT(two mixed in one) not just "mum" or "dad".