User blog comment:Cartoonprincess/Are Carly and Spencer *Too* Happy????/@comment-4184884-20110722040012

I've always found the missing parents aspect interesting and while it does give the characters a certain depth (and give fanfic writers a great plot source), in terms of the actual show, it was really only done for a matter of convenience. I remember hearing it had something to do with casting adults for children's shows and it just being easier dealing with fewer adult/parental figures.

Personally, I don't think even Dan has given much thought into what the result of these absent parents has on the characters in real world terms. I mean, I think it's a logical assumption to assume that maybe Freddie's mom's neuroticism has something to do with his absent dad (again, great thing I've seen explored in fanfic). And I think it's a logical assumption to assume that Sam's behavior and attitude has a lot to do with her mother's..."loose parenting style" and her dad's absence. But I don't think that's something we're meant to dwell on. Dan even commented once that broaching the topic of missing parents was too heavy or depressing for the sort of show this is. So to answer your question, while I think we can assume these things if they tickle our fancy, I don't really think there the actual reason for their behaviors. I don't think they're related as I don't even think Dan's given that much in depth thought to the topic.