Beyond Structure: The True Impact of Single Parenthood on Child Development

The Changing Perception of Single Parenthood

In the past, children raised in single-parent households have been regarded as different from those raised in a family with two parents: a father and a mother. Over the past few decades, single parenthood has been on the rise. The popular view that being raised by one parent is impossible is a thing of the past. In modern society, children who have been under the care of a single parent have witnessed growth into being emotionally firm and prosperous in life despite having one parent to guide them through life’s ups and downs. The difference between children raised in a single-family setup and those raised by a father and a mother is the problem. Do children need two parents? Does a male child need to have a father figure around him? Who assists single parents? How do they manage finances? Does the government offer them support? Do step-parents and step-siblings play any role in the life of single parents? With many assumptions, the topic of single parenthood has attracted sharp arguments. Still, people should realize that the proper upbringing of children does not rely on the family structure but focuses more on the values inculcated into them as they mature. With this in mind, children nurtured by single parents can be progressive in terms of behavioral, emotional, and social skills, just like those with two parents.

The Debate on Parental Structures and Child Development

It’s a common claim that children can only acquire proper emotional and behavioral abilities by being raised in a family consisting of a father and a mother. The issue of developing emotional and behavioral skills has many variables that come into play. It is incorrect to link problems of emotional and behavioral skills with having one parent. In his book, “Single-parent Families Cause Juvenile Crime,” Robert L. Maginnis states that children from single-parent families are more likely to have behavioral problems because they tend to lack economic security and adequate time with parents.” This author agrees that if behavior problems are to be avoided, children should never be raised in a single-family household because they lack economic security. I tend to agree with the author’s reasoning toward lack of financial security since single parents have to singlehandedly cater to their needs and the needs of their children. However, I strongly disagree with the notion that this harms the child’s behavior. The reasoning that these parents lack enough time to be with their children is untrue. It may seem impossible, but even though a single parent must overwork to be in a position to provide all the needs, they still get away from securing time to offer enough time for the children.

McLanahan reports that there exists a high probability of involvement in drug abuse and misbehavior by children raised by a single mother in the absence of a father. Maginnis further states that “Boys who do not have fathers as male role models suffer especially.” Sure, it is tremendously important for a boy to have a father figure around him, but there exist many other ways through which a young boy can be trained to become a man. From the experiences of many people raised in their fathers' absence, they had many positive role models. In my case, I never had a father, but my grandfather always ensured that he was there for me as I grew into a young man. Whenever my mother was away, working to feed us, my grandfather, grandmother, uncles, aunts, and cousins would always provide me with the time and attention I needed. With this, I mean I had a support group as a young man. Being raised by a single mother had the good side of it.

The Rise of Single Parenthood in America

The number of single parents is on the rise in the world today. There is a mysterious and alarming increase in the number of single parenthood in America. According to a report by The Pew Center, Women are the finest paid workers in a record 40 % of families with children below the age of eighteen years. This is four times the number of single families in the 1960s. A considerable percentage of the “breadwinner mums “families are single-mum households; single mums account for one-quarter of American households, while single dads form 6 % of the households. Since 1995, the American family arrangement for children between the ages of fourteen and eighteen comprises 42% living in a married family with a father and a mother, 22% living in the second marriage of a stepfamily, 21% living in a single-parent, separated, or divorced family, 6%living in the single-parent family never married and 3% living in a single parent widowed family. Considering that 58% of children in America live in a single-parent family, which shows that there is very little trust put in a relationship before the decision to get children. Unfortunately, not all single parents sacrifice their time to perform the critical task of raising their children. Parents who don’t think they will ever be in a position to provide emotional stability to their children single-handedly should believe wisely before deciding to become parents. If you choose to get children, you should love it and be a good parent. There exist many ways to boost the well-being of your children if only you take yourself as a parent.

Children raised in a family set up with a father and a mother enjoy more attention from both sides with the effect of getting more emotional needs they require as they grow up. This is true, but not in all cases; some circumstances arise where the two parents do nothing other than quarrel and catch up on fights. A child in such a family with frequent quarrels from a tender age till maturity will only follow in their footsteps. Therefore, a child who grows up under the care of one parent who devotes his/her emotions to his/her child will have many more benefits than one with two parents who showed their child that it is acceptable to fight and argue.

Values Over Structure: The Essence of Parenting

Not all families enjoy a healthy structure; therefore, it is essential for society and the government agencies that offer aid to note this difference in the structure and endeavor to take positive actions. There should be government programs whose primary work is to assist single-parent families in child care in terms of health and finances for parents who have the responsibility of working and at the same time have enough time to be with the children.

Children need to be guided, no matter who raises them, whether a single mother, a single father, or even a mother and a dad. Children grow up to be who they have been taught to be from a young age, and they are affected emotionally by the love shown to them while growing up. Whatever the family structure, it should embrace respect and positive moral values so that they can be passed on to the families their children will have.

References

https://issuu.com/joshmcdowellministry/docs/father_factor_portfolio_2015_-_vol.

https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2013/09/the-mysterious-and-alarming-rise-of single-parenthood-in-America/279203/