0:00:00 > 0:00:00- *
0:00:02 > 0:00:04- The Welsh family is changing.
0:00:05 > 0:00:07- Within the past half a century...
0:00:08 > 0:00:11- ..the traditional model - of Mam, Dad and 2.4 children...
0:00:11 > 0:00:13- ..has all but disappeared.
0:00:13 > 0:00:18- It has been replaced by an - altogether more contemporary unit.
0:00:18 > 0:00:21- One that's more complex - and colourful than before.
0:00:22 > 0:00:25- These are some of - the modern Welsh family's stories.
0:00:36 > 0:00:38- There are over 97,000 - single parents in Wales.
0:00:39 > 0:00:42- Why do you have to come so close, - you wuss?
0:00:42 > 0:00:45- Almost twice as many - as 15 years ago.
0:00:47 > 0:00:49- There were fewer years ago...
0:00:50 > 0:00:52- ..but a lot of people - live like this.
0:00:52 > 0:00:54- See you later, OK?
0:00:54 > 0:00:57- I've been on a boat with a roof.
0:00:57 > 0:01:01- All children would prefer - their parents to live together.
0:01:02 > 0:01:04- It's not meant to be every time.
0:01:12 > 0:01:16- In Llanberis, - Doris lives with her son, Connor.
0:01:17 > 0:01:20- What are you doing outside my house? - Are you stalking me?
0:01:20 > 0:01:22- Oh, my God.
0:01:23 > 0:01:26- I would say - that I'm the main guardian...
0:01:26 > 0:01:29- ..but I have to respect - Connor's father too.
0:01:29 > 0:01:34- Connor goes to his father's house - every Tuesday and Wednesday...
0:01:34 > 0:01:36- ..and every other weekend.
0:01:36 > 0:01:40- We're going to Connor's - father's house to pick up Connor...
0:01:41 > 0:01:43- ..for a kick about before work.
0:01:43 > 0:01:45- We'll see how Connor is.
0:01:45 > 0:01:51- If I know Connor, he'll be sat - on his backside watching television.
0:01:54 > 0:01:56- Hi, babes.
0:01:56 > 0:02:01- It's great. He can come here - to see Connor, I can go over there.
0:02:02 > 0:02:04- Are we going for a kick about?
0:02:04 > 0:02:06- Fetch your boots.
0:02:06 > 0:02:10- There's no point waiting for him - to answer the door.
0:02:10 > 0:02:13- He doesn't hear it half the time...
0:02:13 > 0:02:15- ..the chav music's on.
0:02:16 > 0:02:18- Mam can show you how to play.
0:02:20 > 0:02:25- I've been a single parent - for seven or eight years.
0:02:25 > 0:02:28- That's how I was raised.
0:02:28 > 0:02:30- I came from a family...
0:02:31 > 0:02:34- ..where Man raised - my brother and myself.
0:02:34 > 0:02:37- OK, there are times - when things are difficult...
0:02:37 > 0:02:39- ..as it is for everyone else.
0:02:39 > 0:02:45- I could have either gone to meltdown - and said, "I can't do this"...
0:02:45 > 0:02:51- ..or carry on and say, "Right, I'm - the adult here, let's go for it."
0:02:53 > 0:02:55- So far so good.
0:02:58 > 0:03:01- Mam's not rubbish. Who taught him?
0:03:01 > 0:03:02- Dad!
0:03:02 > 0:03:03- Dad!- - Dad!
0:03:05 > 0:03:08- Almost 60% of single parents work...
0:03:08 > 0:03:11- ..in addition to raising - their children.
0:03:13 > 0:03:14- Doris is one of them.
0:03:16 > 0:03:18- Shower and work.
0:03:19 > 0:03:20- Round 2.
0:03:27 > 0:03:29- Mam's got to go now.
0:03:29 > 0:03:34- I'll phone you later. I don't want - you on this all day, OK?
0:03:35 > 0:03:37- OK?
0:03:40 > 0:03:42- Off to work.
0:03:42 > 0:03:44- It's lovely, isn't it?
0:03:44 > 0:03:49- Doris has chosen to work part time - in a cafe around the corner...
0:03:49 > 0:03:52- ..to stay close to Connor.
0:03:53 > 0:03:55- Because we're so busy sometimes...
0:03:55 > 0:03:58- ..Connor's left to get on - with his own devices.
0:03:58 > 0:04:01- He's happy.
0:04:05 > 0:04:08- Dad's gone to work.
0:04:11 > 0:04:13- Mam's gone to work.
0:04:13 > 0:04:15- I have to stay here.
0:04:17 > 0:04:20- I spent a lot of time on my own - when I was young.
0:04:20 > 0:04:24- I think it helps make you - a stronger person.
0:04:26 > 0:04:28- I hope, in the long run.
0:04:29 > 0:04:35- Taid asked me if I wanted to visit - the Royal Welsh in Builth Wells.
0:04:35 > 0:04:39- I don't want to watch - a cow or a sheep winning a medal!
0:04:39 > 0:04:42- I don't want to watch - things like that.
0:04:42 > 0:04:44- It's nothing new for him.
0:04:44 > 0:04:48- I know sometimes - he'll be frustrated.
0:04:49 > 0:04:51- Life doesn't work that way.
0:04:51 > 0:04:57- What we have to do in life - is be grateful for what we have...
0:04:57 > 0:04:59- ..and not...
0:05:01 > 0:05:03- ..want more and more and more.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12- Years ago, when parents separated...
0:05:12 > 0:05:15- ..children would normally live - with their mother.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20- Coco Pops - or do you want a variety pack?
0:05:20 > 0:05:22- Coco Pops.
0:05:22 > 0:05:27- Today, more and more parents - share the responsibility equally.
0:05:28 > 0:05:30- With some Jaffa Cakes.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33- With Jaffa Cakes? - Not this time of morning.
0:05:34 > 0:05:38- Three years ago, when Owain Llyr - and his wife separated...
0:05:38 > 0:05:42- ..they had to agree - on Morgan's upbringing.
0:05:42 > 0:05:44- What are we going to do today?
0:05:45 > 0:05:46- Go to Wylfa.
0:05:46 > 0:05:48- Go to Wylfa.- - Go to Wylfa?
0:05:49 > 0:05:52- I didn't want Morgan to feel - that I'd turn my back on him.
0:05:52 > 0:05:57- I didn't want him to have - any feelings of rejection.
0:05:57 > 0:05:59- Tea or coffee?
0:05:59 > 0:06:02- Tea, in a small cup.
0:06:03 > 0:06:06- Small cup? I'll get it, - you finish your breakfast.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09- I was worried about the unknown.
0:06:09 > 0:06:13- What would happen - if his mother moved away?
0:06:13 > 0:06:15- How many sugars do you want?
0:06:17 > 0:06:19- Two? It's a small cup.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22- You don't need two in a small cup.
0:06:22 > 0:06:24- Yes. That's how you make it.
0:06:24 > 0:06:29- You feel you don't have - the complete control you once had.
0:06:32 > 0:06:36- Not too much, or you'll lose - your teeth like Taid Bala.
0:06:36 > 0:06:38- We share Morgan.
0:06:39 > 0:06:42- He lives with me half the time - and then he lives with his mother.
0:06:43 > 0:06:46- I don't see it as him living - with his mother and coming to me.
0:06:47 > 0:06:49- Morgan likes his cup of tea.
0:06:49 > 0:06:50- Enough, enough, enough.
0:06:50 > 0:06:54- If you have children one day, - they'll call me Taid!
0:06:54 > 0:06:59- If you had children, I'd be Taid.
0:06:59 > 0:07:01- No, you'd be Dad.
0:07:02 > 0:07:03- No.
0:07:04 > 0:07:06- If I have children...
0:07:09 > 0:07:11- You've confused me.
0:07:11 > 0:07:14- Pink socks. That's a girl's colour!
0:07:14 > 0:07:16- Like Doris, Owain has a job.
0:07:17 > 0:07:19- He also runs his own company.
0:07:20 > 0:07:23- He often works on the weekend.
0:07:23 > 0:07:26- Bryn Fon, Ceidwad Y Goleudy, - on Capital Cymru...
0:07:27 > 0:07:29- ..North Wales' - best chart music show.
0:07:30 > 0:07:32- Owain Llyr keeping you company.
0:07:32 > 0:07:36- I like it when he comes with me - and he likes it too...
0:07:36 > 0:07:38- ..but my show is 2-7pm.
0:07:38 > 0:07:43- It's a long time - to keep the little boy entertained.
0:07:43 > 0:07:48- I bring an iPad in for him - and we have a picnic sometimes.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51- I place a blanket - on the studio floor.
0:07:51 > 0:07:56- He sits there while I fetch - some sandwiches and crisps.
0:07:56 > 0:07:59- He loves that.
0:08:01 > 0:08:05- I'm going to phone Morgan to see - if he's listening to me today.
0:08:06 > 0:08:09- If he's not, I'll give him a row.
0:08:16 > 0:08:17- Hiya, Dad.
0:08:17 > 0:08:18- Hiya, Dad.- - Hiya, Mogs. OK?
0:08:18 > 0:08:20- What are you doing?
0:08:22 > 0:08:24- Trying to chase a fly.
0:08:24 > 0:08:28- Trying to catch a fly?
0:08:28 > 0:08:32- Really? - Is it moving too quickly for you?
0:08:32 > 0:08:35- Yes, and it's flying - too high for me.
0:08:36 > 0:08:37- Is it?
0:08:37 > 0:08:41- Are you listening to Dad - on the radio today?
0:08:43 > 0:08:45- Mmmm...
0:08:45 > 0:08:47- No.
0:08:47 > 0:08:49- Why not?
0:08:51 > 0:08:54- Do you want Dad to say hello - to you on the radio?
0:08:54 > 0:08:55- Yes.
0:08:56 > 0:08:58- What do you want me to say - on the radio?
0:08:59 > 0:09:02- I love you, Morgan. Say that, OK?
0:09:02 > 0:09:03- OK.
0:09:04 > 0:09:05- Dad?
0:09:06 > 0:09:07- Yes?
0:09:07 > 0:09:08- Yes?- - Love you.
0:09:08 > 0:09:10- Love you.
0:09:10 > 0:09:12- Katie Perry with Birthday.
0:09:13 > 0:09:17- It's almost 3.45pm, - you're listening to Capital FM.
0:09:18 > 0:09:22- I've just been speaking to my son, - Morgan. He's catching flies.
0:09:22 > 0:09:25- I'm not sure - why he's trying to catch flies.
0:09:26 > 0:09:29- He wants me to say hello to him. - Love you, Morgan!
0:09:30 > 0:09:32- I hope Morgan's OK.
0:09:32 > 0:09:34- 83958 on the text...
0:09:35 > 0:09:37- ..on Capital FM.
0:09:41 > 0:09:45- It's a comfort - knowing that he's listening.
0:09:45 > 0:09:50- I feel closer to him somehow - because I know he's listening.
0:09:51 > 0:09:55- Owain and Morgan have had to adapt - to the new arrangement.
0:09:55 > 0:09:57- "Who am I with today?"
0:09:58 > 0:10:00- "You're with me today."
0:10:00 > 0:10:03- "Who am I with tomorrow?"
0:10:03 > 0:10:05- "You're with me tomorrow."
0:10:05 > 0:10:07- "Who am I with the next day?"
0:10:08 > 0:10:09- "Mam."
0:10:09 > 0:10:13- When he's with me, he misses Mam...
0:10:14 > 0:10:16- ..and vice versa.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21- He misses me - when he's with his mother.
0:10:23 > 0:10:25- I wonder if he's caught the fly?
0:10:26 > 0:10:27- .
0:10:30 > 0:10:30- Subtitles
0:10:30 > 0:10:32- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:10:33 > 0:10:35- As a single father, - Owain is fortunate...
0:10:36 > 0:10:39- ..to have his family's help - to look after Morgan.
0:10:39 > 0:10:41- Go and see if Taid's arrived.
0:10:41 > 0:10:43- Yes!
0:10:43 > 0:10:45- Taidi!
0:10:47 > 0:10:48- Dad's arrived.
0:10:48 > 0:10:53- He calls over once a week - to join in with whatever we do.
0:10:53 > 0:10:55- Do you want a cuppa?
0:10:55 > 0:10:58- Yes. Are you making Taid a cuppa?
0:10:58 > 0:11:00- Go and make Taid a cuppa.
0:11:00 > 0:11:02- I've made one already.
0:11:04 > 0:11:06- This makes it taste even better.
0:11:08 > 0:11:10- Taid's been away.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14- He's brought a present - back with him, for Morgan.
0:11:15 > 0:11:17- Nothing noisy, I hope.
0:11:19 > 0:11:21- Look!
0:11:22 > 0:11:24- Pirates.
0:11:24 > 0:11:26- Pirates.
0:11:27 > 0:11:29- Have you said thank you?
0:11:29 > 0:11:31- Have you said thank you?- - Thanks, Taid.
0:11:31 > 0:11:33- There's a present for Dad too.
0:11:41 > 0:11:45- Today is a rare opportunity - for the boys to spend time together.
0:11:47 > 0:11:52- I've worked every weekend - for 10-15 years.
0:11:52 > 0:11:56- During the week, - I can take a few days off.
0:11:57 > 0:11:58- I spend time with Morgan.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02- If we want to go out to eat - in somewhere nice...
0:12:02 > 0:12:04- ..we can do so.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07- We don't worry about money - - we just go.
0:12:07 > 0:12:12- The price you pay - to secure a better lifestyle...
0:12:12 > 0:12:16- ..is the sacrifice you make - at the weekend.
0:12:19 > 0:12:24- Today, a trip to the Gypsy Wood park - in Bontnewydd is planned.
0:12:34 > 0:12:36- Where are you taking us?
0:12:37 > 0:12:39- To Lanzarote.
0:12:40 > 0:12:45- I think it's important - to set aside time for your children.
0:12:47 > 0:12:50- Mam and Dad always had time for us.
0:12:50 > 0:12:54- They supported everything we did.
0:12:54 > 0:12:57- They took us to see - different things.
0:12:58 > 0:12:59- When Mam passed away...
0:13:00 > 0:13:03- ..I realised that the world - isn't a perfect place...
0:13:04 > 0:13:06- ..where the children come first.
0:13:12 > 0:13:14- Losing his mother to cancer...
0:13:14 > 0:13:17- ..was a devastating blow - for Owain and his family.
0:13:19 > 0:13:23- When something like that happens, - it changes everything.
0:13:24 > 0:13:29- When I separated from my wife, - I was lost for a while.
0:13:30 > 0:13:33- I didn't know what to do next.
0:13:35 > 0:13:40- I don't have a master plan - in place anymore.
0:13:41 > 0:13:43- I'll just see how it goes.
0:13:43 > 0:13:47- It's important just to be happy - and enjoy life.
0:13:47 > 0:13:49- Can I have one penny?
0:13:54 > 0:13:57- I wish we could have money - without having to work.
0:14:04 > 0:14:06- Good, eh?
0:14:06 > 0:14:10- We can have money now - without having to work.
0:14:11 > 0:14:12- High five.
0:14:17 > 0:14:18- Let's go that way.
0:14:20 > 0:14:22- What's that?
0:14:22 > 0:14:24- A spider.
0:14:24 > 0:14:26- A spider.- - Did Taid buy that for you?
0:14:26 > 0:14:29- Did he? Did you say thank you?
0:14:29 > 0:14:30- Yes.
0:14:30 > 0:14:34- Any child would prefer - their parents living together.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38- Where was this?
0:14:38 > 0:14:40- When you lived with my mother.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48- Do you miss Dad - when you go back to Mam?
0:14:48 > 0:14:49- Yes.
0:14:50 > 0:14:52- Dad phones you, doesn't he?
0:14:52 > 0:14:56- And when I go - to Nan and Granddad's house.
0:14:57 > 0:15:01- I phone you and I say, - "Morgan, how are you today?"
0:15:01 > 0:15:04- What do you say sometimes?
0:15:04 > 0:15:06- "I'm off now, Dad. I'm busy."
0:15:08 > 0:15:10- I do miss you when you're not here.
0:15:10 > 0:15:12- Don't I?
0:15:12 > 0:15:18- Sometimes he says, "It'd be nice - if you lived with Mam."
0:15:21 > 0:15:23- You know, but...
0:15:23 > 0:15:26- ..there we are then, - it's not meant to be.
0:15:35 > 0:15:37- We live in Llanberis.
0:15:37 > 0:15:40- Everyone chips in.
0:15:40 > 0:15:43- Connor goes out to play for the day.
0:15:43 > 0:15:46- If you don't see him all day, - you know he's fine.
0:15:47 > 0:15:49- His father and grandfather - live over there.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52- There are aunties and uncles - everywhere.
0:15:55 > 0:15:57- I'm a born and bred Llanberian.
0:15:57 > 0:15:58- Yeah.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02- I've been harassing the village - for 30 years!
0:16:03 > 0:16:05- I love this village so much.
0:16:06 > 0:16:10- Right, are you ready? - We're playing goalie and strikers.
0:16:10 > 0:16:13- Every week, Doris coaches - a local football team...
0:16:14 > 0:16:17- ..of children under seven years old.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20- Connor's father - started coaching the team.
0:16:20 > 0:16:25- Every now and then, he couldn't - do it and I'm up for anything.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28- I thought I'll give it a go.
0:16:28 > 0:16:30- It just went from there, really.
0:16:31 > 0:16:32- Two.
0:16:32 > 0:16:36- Being with the team is a natural - extension of Doris' role...
0:16:37 > 0:16:39- ..as a single mother.
0:16:39 > 0:16:42- We've become a little family.
0:16:42 > 0:16:45- We all just join in together.
0:16:45 > 0:16:51- We just get on with it, you know. - They are our little family.
0:16:53 > 0:16:55- One.
0:16:58 > 0:17:01- One important member is missing - from this family.
0:17:04 > 0:17:06- Connor, Doris' son, is 11 years old.
0:17:06 > 0:17:09- He now plays - for another football team.
0:17:11 > 0:17:16- He's part of Caernarfon's - U-11 academy.
0:17:18 > 0:17:20- Over the past two or three years...
0:17:20 > 0:17:25- ..I haven't been able to watch - Connor playing football that often.
0:17:25 > 0:17:27- That's disappointed me.
0:17:30 > 0:17:34- I'm going to surprise him - and turn up to watch him.
0:17:35 > 0:17:38- "Connor, - run down the line and score!"
0:17:40 > 0:17:43- Will it be a surprise - or an embarrassment?
0:17:52 > 0:17:54- Come on, silly billy.
0:17:54 > 0:17:56- Come on, please, or we'll be late.
0:17:59 > 0:18:03- Today, Morgan and Owain - have been invited to a party.
0:18:05 > 0:18:08- Are you excited - about seeing Enfys and Daniel?
0:18:08 > 0:18:09- Is Enfys' present safe?
0:18:09 > 0:18:11- Is Enfys' present safe?- - It's here.
0:18:15 > 0:18:17- Mogs has no interest in you today.
0:18:19 > 0:18:24- After the party, Owain will return - Morgan to his mother's care.
0:18:26 > 0:18:29- It's a familiar pattern - which can be difficult sometimes.
0:18:30 > 0:18:32- I won't see him for a few days.
0:18:32 > 0:18:36- It's a little sad when he goes back.
0:18:36 > 0:18:40- I go back to the house - and it's silent.
0:18:40 > 0:18:44- That's rather sad for me.
0:18:46 > 0:18:50- The world is an incredible place - through the eyes of a child.
0:18:50 > 0:18:52- I miss...
0:18:53 > 0:18:56- ..his funny comments.
0:18:56 > 0:18:59- Try and catch this then.
0:18:59 > 0:19:02- That feeling that someone's - relying on you.
0:19:05 > 0:19:07- His things are still around.
0:19:10 > 0:19:14- You look at them sometimes - and I do feel lonely when he's gone.
0:19:18 > 0:19:24- Owain finds solace in watching - videos of Morgan... until next time.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27- Dad, can you push me?
0:19:27 > 0:19:30- Have you broken down?
0:19:30 > 0:19:32- Yes.
0:19:32 > 0:19:37- It's nice looking back - and noticing how much he's grown.
0:19:42 > 0:19:44- When I was younger...
0:19:44 > 0:19:48- ..I would look forward to going out.
0:19:48 > 0:19:52- These days, I just want - to spend more time with Morgan...
0:19:53 > 0:19:54- ..and be with Morgan.
0:19:55 > 0:20:01- No-one wants their children to share - their time between Mam and Dad...
0:20:01 > 0:20:05- ..but it's an all too familiar - situation these days.
0:20:06 > 0:20:12- It's not the ideal situation for me, - to be honest.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23- Hiya. Good morning, everyone.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27- Today, Doris' football team - doesn't have a match.
0:20:27 > 0:20:30- She's off to watch Connor playing.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33- Come on, Connor.
0:20:34 > 0:20:36- You're weird.
0:20:36 > 0:20:39- I know! The best way to be.
0:20:42 > 0:20:44- Turn and face.
0:20:48 > 0:20:50- Come on, Connor, come on.
0:20:50 > 0:20:52- Despite the rain, - Connor is on top form.
0:20:53 > 0:20:55- Unlucky, boy, unlucky.
0:20:55 > 0:20:57- He's playing well.
0:20:58 > 0:21:03- The opposition scores first but - that doesn't dampen Doris' spirits.
0:21:03 > 0:21:08- I'm really happy - that I'm here to see him.
0:21:08 > 0:21:10- I love it.
0:21:10 > 0:21:14- Rain, wind, freezing.
0:21:15 > 0:21:17- The price of love for your baby boy.
0:21:19 > 0:21:22- Finally, a chance to equalize.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26- Yes! Lovely.
0:21:27 > 0:21:29- Well done, boys.
0:21:33 > 0:21:38- Before the final whistle, one last - effort from Connor to win the game.
0:21:41 > 0:21:43- Don't worry, keep going.
0:21:43 > 0:21:45- FINAL WHISTLE
0:21:47 > 0:21:49- Did you enjoy it?
0:21:49 > 0:21:51- Yes.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54- That's what matters. - You're still unbeaten.
0:21:54 > 0:21:56- I should have scored.
0:22:01 > 0:22:06- Looking to the future, Doris' wish - for Connor and herself is simple.
0:22:07 > 0:22:08- As long as he's happy...
0:22:09 > 0:22:13- ..and he receives plenty of love - from those around him...
0:22:13 > 0:22:15- ..that's enough for me.
0:22:16 > 0:22:21- It's a dream that tens of thousands - of single parents in Wales share.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25- Our hopes for the future?
0:22:26 > 0:22:30- We still have fun, - we can enjoy each other's company.
0:22:32 > 0:22:34- Live happily.
0:22:35 > 0:22:38- It sounds simple - but that's what everyone wants.
0:22:56 > 0:22:58- S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.
0:22:59 > 0:22:59- .