parallel and series circuit

In a series circuit, the current through each of the components is the same, and the voltage across the circuit is the sum of the voltages across each component. In a parallel circuit, the voltage across each of the components is the same, and the total current is the sum of the currents through each component. If two or more components are connected in parallel they have the same potential difference across their ends. The potential differences across the components are the same in magnitude, and they also have identical polarities. The same voltage is applicable to all circuit components connected in parallel. The total current is the sum of the currents through the individual components.  The difference in households is that we run parallel circuits for the simple fact that it would allow us to operate objects with electricity with more functions of off and on, however if we were to run series it would only connect everything to one specific circuit and that would only allow one thing to be turned on one at a time not allowing constant multiples to be on at the same time.  In this picture it shows two outlets being used, one is my lamp and the other is my alarm clock/dock.  With the parallel circuits given to me it will allow both of them to function and keep going, instead if it were to be a series it would only allow either or to be operated on.