Single Parenting Facts

The concept of single parenting has been around for quite some time now. Single parenting can be a result of a broken marriage, the loss of a partner or individuals choosing to be single parents without getting into the bond of marriage. There are several single parents who are trying to strike a balance between their professional and family life. Being a single parent can be very taxing at times and not knowing how to cope with the emotional stress, can take a heavy toll on your personal as well professional life. It can also be equally stressful for the children, to cope with single parenting. Awareness and knowledge about single parenting facts can be helpful for those entering into single parenting and even those who are already single parents.

Facts About Single Parenting - Pros

• The myth that, children brought up by single parents often feel lonely and isolated, has been proved wrong. It has been observed that such children, if raised to be independent and confident, lead a very normal life and also succeed professionally.
• Children of those single parents who have separated and moved on are often happy to see their parents happy, rather see them fight and argue daily. Such children do not develop behavioral disorders, unlike other children whose parents are constantly fighting.
• Single parenting will also enable the parent to from a firmer bond with the child, to spend more quality time, to instill all the morals and values that the parent believes in and to communicate well.
• Children of single parents learn to take responsibility at an early age, by helping around the household and helping with the daily chores. They also become independent sooner and learn to deal with difficult situations well.
• If a single parent is in good and cordial terms with the former spouse, the child will have the scope of experiencing two different approaches towards life, which means a greater learning experience, as far as his/her life is concerned.
• One of the most important single parenting facts is, that children of single parents would be more understanding towards their spouse and even towards their children.

Facts About Single Parenting - Cons

• The worst part of single parenting that results from divorce or the loss of a spouse is, the emotional trauma that the parent and children would have to go through. However, with the help of the support from family members and some counseling, coping with the situation can be made easier.
• The next factor would be the guilt faced by the single parent, of not being able to provide a two-parent, 'normal' home to the child. Also, many single working parents suffer from the guilt of neglecting their child, due to excessive work load. Such children, who feel neglected and less cared for, may develop behavioral problems.
• Single parents and their children may also be looked down upon, socially. Children may also face mocking by their peers and may give into pressure, to be accepted by their friends. Such children often take to anti-social behavior like drug addiction, alcoholism and smoking.
• An important single parent fact is, the financial burden that they would have to bear. Many a times, single parents, especially single moms, may not be able to bear the financial burden which may be stressful for both the parent and the children.
• Single parents with toddlers or pre-school aged children may find it difficult to handle their children all by themselves. It may be difficult for them to shuttle between their work, daycare and school. Due to their work commitments, they may not be able to spend quality time with the child.

These single parenting facts are in no way intended to discourage people from taking it up. In fact, single parenting can be an overwhelming experience, provided you plan accordingly, set rules and limitations for your children, like any other two-parent home and most importantly, bring them up with all the necessary love, care and affection!