Should professional biographies really mention single parenthood?
Q. Frequently in written bios and articles I see women say they are "single mothers," which sounds like their children were born out of wedlock. If they were married at the time, wouldn't they be "divorced mothers" or "widowed mothers?" And if marital status really doesn't matter, why bring up "single" in the first place? Can you sort this out? Thank you.
J. W., Newport Beach, Calif.
A. The question here really isn't about affixing a label to a child being born "out of wedlock." The term "single parent" refers to a person who is raising a child by his or herself, without the assistance of a spouse, but it gives no details as to why. It could mean that the parent was never married, that the spouse died, or that the spouse is no longer part of the family unit. "Divorced" or "widowed" describes the circumstance of the relationship relative to a former spouse. According to the most recent Census figures, released in August 2007, there are about 13.6 million single parents in the United States.
Because single parents raise children alone, without the assistance of a spouse or partner, single parenthood is a significant designation. It helps people understand the circumstance from which the parent is operating. In many cases, the parent - male or female - is juggling the competing demands of career and family. Why is this relevant? Single parents may need additional flexibility with work hours or business travel. It's a personal choice, but in a business setting, putting this information "out there" is one way to let people know - be they clients, co-workers, or future employers - that the person is balancing responsibilities that may require flexibility.
Q. Where should a name tag be placed on your shirt; on the left or right?
J. Z., Savannah, Ga.
A. The best place is on the right side. As you shake hands the line of your arm draws the other person's gaze right to the name tag.
E-mail questions about business etiquette to etiquetteatwork@emilypost.com. If your letter appears in this column, you will receive a copy of Peter Post's "The Etiquette Advantage in Business." 
