I don't know how single parents with only one kid do it at all. I *think* I'd have the strength not to get my grade schooler (I don't have one) involved in every single logistics or purchase decision but I don't know and don't want to find out. I could definitely picture an exchange where the kid asked me "What percentage of the electric bill can we pay this month" and I'd just be like "All of it, which is why you need to go watch CNN Business Report or Blues Clues or whatever you usually do."