Single Parenting Issues

A family unit consists of a father and a mother at the realm of all familial affairs, that primarily entails children, finances and overall house management. With changing social scenarios this unit is either breaking up, or has progressed to a stage where, being a single parent is a personal choice. A single parent could be a male or a female, and is the primary caretaker and the provider for the child or children. Why an individual chooses to be a single parent can sometimes be attributed to unavoidable circumstances or through an informed choice. An adult may be a single parent because of a death of a parent, divorce, adoption, surrogate motherhood, extramarital or out of wed-lock pregnancy, etc. The life of a single parent though equally satisfying is more challenging and calls for more adjustments and dedication than a household that consists of both parents. Single parenting revolves around legal, social, economical, behavioral and personal aspects of the parent in relation to the upbringing of their ward/s.

Some of the facts revolve around the startling statistics, that is ever-increasing. In the U.S. alone, there are about 15 million single parents, raising over 22 million children all by themselves. This large figure of single parents consist mainly of divorced or unmarried women, and a small percentage of widows/widowers, surrogate mothers, or adopters. A three fourth of this figure also shows that the role of the single parent is played more by women than men. World over, the incidence of single parenting is higher in the western countries than Asian or Oriental regions, however, with evolving times and better economic status that most women enjoy, the figures of single parenting, at least out of choice is on a high, world over.

A life of a single parent is very hard, as it is difficult to play dual roles and satisfy economic responsibilities as well. Traditionally, the concept of single parenting has been frowned upon, not without good reason though. Children brought up in broken family units or one that has only one parent in it right from the start, tend to have more social and behavioral problems as compared to those who were raised by both parents. Statistics show that individuals, who are single parents have a higher rate to slide towards poverty, especially women, and/or unmarried parents, as they are significantly younger, hence, less educated and with a lesser chance of productive employment. Lower levels of income add to the list of problems with single parents negatively.

But this is not to say, that children of single parents do not grow up as responsible adults, they do. Children of single parents grow up faster than their counterparts, as the parent tends to involve them in decision-making giving them a greater understanding of how freedom of choice is entwined with responsible behavior and accountability. As single parents involve their children in the day-to-day running of the household, it helps to increase the bond between them and enhance their concept of a support system. Children who come from broken homes, especially ones scared by abuse, tend to see a positive side when left with the caring parent, building a life together bonds them.

Effects of single parenting revolve around the parents understanding of allowing the child to be a child at the end of day. Although for a single parent, responsibilities and workload increases manifold, they should ensure that the child's space is not to be intruded upon. It would be preferable to seek support from other adults rather than offload all your problems on your children. For children whose parents have been separated, a settling transition period should be given. Discipline is a major concern area for single parents, rude and problematic behavior needs to addressed as part of growing up, and growing up alone without the support of another parent.

A single parent will deeply impact the life of the child, positive or negative ultimately lies in the parent's hand. Although, it may be difficult to come around many circumstances, a better understanding of what entails the issues, and acceptance of support systems around you, will ensure a better life for your child, which is an ultimate goal for all parents, single or otherwise.