Single Parenting Effects

Dr. Haim Ginott, a renowned psychologist, mentor and a teacher once remarked, 'Children are like wet cement; whatever falls on them makes an impression'. Thus, the effects of single parenting on children may, in fact, shape their perception of the world around them. There was a time, when breaking off or staying away from the spouse was a rarity. A major reason for the same was the concern of either parent about the negative effects of single parenting on their child. In many households, spread throughout the globe and cutting across boundaries and cultures, there is a belief, that an ideal upbringing for a child must feature both the parents. Perhaps it is a strong and compelling reason why couples were forced to sidetrack their differences and compromise, only for the sake of their offspring.

However, several lifestyle changes have accompanied the great flexibility in every aspect of living, from childhood to parenthood, in modern civilization. Single parenting is a common, and sadly, a growing trend in human populace. However, facts about single parenting have shown both positive and negative effects on children. Therefore, there is an urgent need to introduce certain measures to highlight the positive effects of single parenting, and ensure an all-round development of a child, instead of focusing on the negative aspects of this problem.

Positive Single Parenting Effects

Development of close bonds with parents can be one big positive effect of single parenting. Single parenting involves looking after the child's requirements alone, which amounts to a large time to be spent with the child. If the parent is successful in turning these moments into deep bonding sessions, it would create a permanent goodwill and strong relationship between the parent and the child.

Even non-custodial parents can use those rare occasions, when they are able to meet their child, to highlight the importance and need of having them in their life and vice-versa. Single parents, usually seek assistance from their relatives, friends, colleagues or neighbors to raise children all by themselves, especially babies and toddlers. This introduces community life to the child at a relatively early age and empowers them with the ability to socialize and understand people of various natures. This can make child development a smooth and an ideal process.

If a child is a teenage boy or a girl, they learn to shoulder their responsibilities at a young age, making them more mature and understanding. Moreover, if the parents have decided to separate due to a conflict or dispute which keeps on cropping up every once in a while, the child gets early exposure to dispute and volatile situations. It can be a good lesson in conflict management, as the child learns to face disappointments daringly and realize the importance of possessing good values such as empathy, help, care and support in unfavorable situations.

Negative Effects of Single Parenting

Considering the sensitive nature of a parental separation or living apart, most of the children unfortunately go through a negative ordeal.

The most immediate and largely observed effect is a significant drop in the performance level of the children. This leads to the development of a negative attitude towards life, which further reduces academic, extracurricular or co-curricular performance. This vicious circle of pessimism and bad performance, ultimately gives way to larger evils like depression, alcohol or drug abuse, development of hateful thinking process and similar problems.

In some cases, where single parents indulge in child abuse, venting out their anger, agony or problematic state of mind on the poor kids, the effects can be devastating, to say the least. Usually, having both the parents negates the effects of a single parent turning out to be an abusive one. There is always hope, moral support, and a hope for goodwill, as the child can look up to the good parent. Therefore, no matter what the issues and relationship equations of parents are, kids should be kept away from the negative effects of single parenting. Relatives and friends can take initiative in raising kids in matters of extreme disarray in parents and child support.

Children are a reflection of what values the parents themselves imbibe and stand for. Let us ensure that single parenting effects do not spoil children, who are the most wonderful gift of God and that they lead a happy and fulfilling life.