SINGLE MOTHERS RESHAPING IDEAS OF FAMILY, PARENTHOOD

'Divorce dazi' who stay together to cut costs and raise children spark online debate

Li Huan, a divorced single mother with a 7-year-old son, and her childhood friend Wang Jie, who is getting a divorce and has a 5-year-old daughter, have been living under the same roof for six months, caring for the children together and sharing daily expenses.

In August last year, Wang and her daughter, Yang Yi, moved in to Li's apartment in Hefei, Anhui province, and formed a new "family of four". The two mothers, who are not affluent, divide household responsibilities and get along well.

"It's much simpler and happier than married life," said Li.