I wanted something different for my daughtersIn the US, individualism really makes it difficult to parent, especially as a single parent. I also wanted safety for all of usAs a gay woman, I wanted to live somewhere where I could have rights, community, and safety. In Portugal, children of all ages are found in restaurants at all hours with their families, and parks have kiosks for parents to enjoy drinks while their children play. There isn't an expectation for single moms to show up as if they aren't single moms. I am grateful that Portugal models other ways of being a parent: prioritizing ourselves, our children, and our time.

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Persons: Aisha Canfield, I've Organizations: Service, Business, San Francisco Bay Area Locations: Portugal, San Francisco Bay