Single-parent families can no longer be viewed as nontraditional families. These families are all around us today. The U.S. Census Bureau reported that about 30 percent of American families are headed by only one parent. Single-parent households numbered over 12 million in the year of 2000. As more single-parent families have appeared on the American landscape, interest has grown as to the effect of these households on children’s wellbeing. In the following paragraphs, you will be able to gain a better understanding of what a single-parent household encompasses. You will also learn of the effects of such a household on the children found in them, with some focus on the difference between single-mother and single-father households. Specific advice for single-parent families will also be provided. Single-parent households do face many challenges, both for the parent and the child, but the children in these families can and do thrive in society.
Facts about the Single-Parent Household
As mentioned before, single-parent families are very common in today’s world. A single parent is a parent with one or more children, who is not living with any of the children’s other parents. The percentage of children who live with two parents has been declining among all racial and ethnic groups throughout the years. There are many statistics out there regarding this fast growing family phenomenon. In the United States, 22 million children go home to one parent, and 83 percent of those parents are moms. A single-mother home is much more common than a single-father home, however the amount of single fathers has grown by 60% in the last ten years alone. It has been found that of all custodial parents, 85% were mothers and 15% were fathers. Also, half of all children involved in one-parent households headed by the mother do not see their fathers on a regular basis two years after the breakup of the family. Of children living with one parent: 38% lived with a divorced parent; 35% with a never-married parent; 19% with a separated parent; 4% with a widowed parent; and 4% with a parent whose spouse lived elsewhere because of business or some other reason. A great deal is known about what a single-parent household is, as well as how the single-parent household has evolved and developed throughout the years. It is because of this knowledge that the effects of this type of household on children has been spotlighted and studied greatly.
General Effects of the Single-Parent Household
It has been found through varied research that children in single-parent homes generally fare worse than those homes with two parents. Statistically, in the United States, family structure does contribute to certain characteristics of a child’s well being. For example, there is a prevalence of lower birthrates and higher death rates among infants when there is just one parent. Also, the number of children ages 15-17 in school and in good health is much lower in this group of children, and the number of children becoming pregnant at these ages is increasing. There are also signs that children who have gone through a divorce may have problems with depression, emotional stress, and difficulties in school. It has been found that adolescents from single-parent families were found to be three times more likely to be depressed than those living with two parents. Single parent homes are also associated with criminal activity in the U.S.A. Children from a single-parent household account for 72% of teenage murderers, 60% percent of people who commit rape crimes and are eleven times more likely to exhibit violent behavior. These statistics are astounding and the problems that accompany single-parenthood appear volatile.
Problems found in the single-parent household may not be because of the parent who raised these children, but can be linked to other things that are also related to single parenting. It has been pointed out that when there is only one parent, the family is often less well off financially and this is the main reason for so many family problems. Reports show that the effects of coming from a low-income family can include things like lower education levels, lower economic achievement and can result in leaving the child feeling isolated and lonely. Being a single parent and struggling for money often coincide. It is also true that children of one-parent households are generally less supervised, their actions are less monitored and there is usually less communication between the child and parent. It would appear that being a part of a single-parent household indicates a negative family environment. It should be said however that many single-parent families find a balance and successfully thrive in today’s world.
Single-Mother Households
It has already been stated that single-mother households are the most common type of one-parent family. Single mothers face different challenges from single fathers. Approximately seventy percent of single-parent mothers live in poverty, earning less than $13,000 annually. These women have a harder time providing for their families because they generally have lower paying jobs. Single mothers have all of the problems that lower income families have, with the added responsibility of raising a child on top of it. Even though women face greater financial problems, they tend to be more nurturing to their children by telling them they love them, hugging them, and showing affection towards them. Some positive aspects that may be associated with being a single mother are that, opposed to males, they usually have a more extensive support system. Women are often closer to friends and family who can help them through tough times and even be there to support the mother in raising her children. The negative aspects of single-motherhood are that because women make less money, they have to work longer hours, which leaves them with less time for the children.
Single-Father Households
The ever-growing single-father household also faces unique challenges. In contrast to women, men tend to have better positions in the work force, giving them higher salaries. Because of this, some single men do not run into the economic issues that single women do. Single fathers often do not communicate as well with their children as is seen with mothers. This leads to children of single-father households being more likely to use marijuana and to have tried other illicit drugs, to have been drunk three or more times, and to have had sex at an earlier age. These statistics contradict the fact that most people think that fathers are stricter than mothers, when in fact they tend to be less disciplinary than single mothers. Fathers can have a great influence on their child though, because most believe that the best way for a son to learn to be a good father is by watching his own.
Some single fathers have found synchronization of work, supervision of children, and household management to be the major focuses of concern. Homemaking is a major part of a single-fathers’ roles. Single fathers develop close relationships with their children. These fathers also have a greater appreciation of responsibility in being the primary parent, they show more concern about day care, and they have a greater interest in the education and protection of their children. Single fathers do face different challenges, but regardless of gender the single family household will need to adjust to be a successful unit.
Advice for Parents and Children of Single-Parent Households
It is apparent that single-parent households, whether headed by a mother or father, have more to deal with than two-parent homes. Mothers and fathers in these homes are more stressed due to having even greater responsibilities put on their shoulders. Both children and parents in these circumstances need to be aware of the added stress that both are likely under. There are many resources and a great deal of information out there to assist struggling parents who don’t have that added support when they are without a parent or partner to share all of the important duties. There are organizations out there to help these families. Parents Without Partners is an extremely well-known single-parenting support group. This organization provides single-parents and the children in these households with educational, family and recreational activities such as lectures, training seminars, picnics, and potluck suppers. Solo Parenting Alliance is another organization meant for single parents that offers access to programs that teach people to be better parents. There are numerous websites out there also meant to support single parents. One of these websites is that of Parentsplace. It hosts a number of varied sites where single mothers and fathers can get information as well as chat with other single parents. Single parents are not alone and should take the steps to better their situation given the resources out there.
With this special situation there are some things that single mothers and fathers can do to better their circumstances. These parents need to establish strong support networks, personal friendships, and new social networks. If needed, they should work on improving their self-esteem as well. The single parent’s sense of self-respect and fulfillment can provide an excellent anchor for children. Many single parents learn to live on reduced incomes, find acceptable ways to deal with a non-custodial parent, and redefine their relationships with their children. Having clearly-defined roles within the household also helps to compensate for some of the challenges that single-parent families face. Single parents should provide structure for their children with regular meals, chores, school work, entertainment and bed-time. Routines help children to feel more secure and less anxious. It is also important that single mothers and fathers not rely on their children to fill adult roles. Communication, understanding, and cooperation are encouraged. Regular, positive family meetings are a great way to support such things. Single parenting is challenging but with some effort it can definitely work.
It is apparent that single-parent households will continue to exist in society. It is also evident that children in two-parent households generally fare better than children who are raised by only one parent. With single parenthood being such a commonality in today’s world, it is important to take a close look at the research out there regarding this type of family unit and the effects it can have on children. With this knowledge, individuals are better able to address the many challenges accompanying single parenthood. Being a part of a single-parent household does not forecast an unhappy home, and when armed with the right tools and knowledge such a family can succeed. Parenthood is challenging. Single-parenthood is excruciatingly challenging. Knowledge is the key that makes the difference.
Resources:
Facts About Single Parent Families.” Parents Without Partners. Parent Without Partners. 13 Mar. 2006 .
Arasteh, Josephine D. Impact of Divorce, Single Parenting and Step parenting on Children. Hillsdale: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 1988.
Burns, Ailsa. Mother-Headed Families and Why They Have Increased. Mahwah: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates Inc., 1994.
Crossman, Sharon M., and Gerald R. Adams. Divorce, Single Parenting, and Child Development.” Journal of Psychology 1980: 205.
Edin, Kathryn, and Laura Lein. Making Ends Meet: How Single Mothers Survive Welfare and Low-Wage Work. New York City: Russell Sage Foundation, 1997.
Garis, Dalton. “Poverty, Single-Parent Households, and Youth At-Risk Behavior: An Empirical Study.” Journal of Economic Issues 1998: 1079-1085.
Hetherington, E. Mavis. Coping with Divorce, Single Parenting, and Remarriage: A Risk and Resiliency Perspective. Mahwah: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates Inc., 1999.
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Walton, Barbara . “Single Parent Support Groups and Information on the Web.” World Wide Web Reviews. 22 March 1999. 13 Mar. 2006 .
