... I chose exactly that: to raise my children – three of my own and one foster child – on my own. A relationship would have been out of the question for me. I would only have seen stress, including in matters of parenting. I also didn't find it desirable for my children to grow up with the stress that I would have had with a partner by my side (I didn't want any closeness) .

Time management was challenging, but doable. I took my daughter to work with me for two and a half years, then she started nursery. With the second child, I hired a daytime nanny and an au pair. Financially, it worked out without any major extras – but I didn't care about those anyway.

Since I don't believe much in boundaries and rules, the actual upbringing of my children was their own achievement. I accompanied them as they became independent, but I didn't control them (at least, I hope so, and they confirm this to me today).

The fathers were all involved as much as they could, one more financially, the others in terms of time. They all went on holiday with all the children or came along to competitions when they could.

A child needs love, attention and support. They also need input from a wide variety of people – whether that's their mother and father or the famous whole village, teachers, coaches or friends shouldn't matter...