Single parents are some of the most resilient, resourceful, and dedicated people around. Despite all the progress we've made in understanding different family dynamics, there are still some outdated stereotypes about single parents that just won’t go away.

Being a single parent has its ups and downs, and while most people have good intentions, there are some comments that can unintentionally sting or frustrate. Here are five things you should steer clear of saying to a single parent, and why they might not be as helpful as you think.