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The Single-Parent Family
Reviewed by Psychology Today Staff
A single parent is someone who is unmarried, widowed, or divorced and not remarried. Th...
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The Single-Parent Family
Reviewed by Psychology Today Staff
A single parent is someone who is unmarried, widowed, or divorced and not remarried. The single-parent household can be headed by a mother, a father, a grandparent, an uncle, or aunt. According to the Pew Research Center, between 25 to 30 percent of children under age 18 in the U.S. live in a single-parent household. The U.S. Census reports that roughly 22 million children live with a single parent. And three times as many women, when compared with men, head these households.
On This Page
The Well-Being of Children in a Single-Parent Household
The Challenges of Single-Parent Families
Raising Kids as a Single Parent
The Well-Being of Children in a Single-Parent Household
Single parents should be reassured by the fact that a large number of studies find no differences between the children of single mothers and children from other types of households. One study looked into the lives of children from different kinds of households—two-parent biological, adoptive, step-father, step-mother, single-parent—and the type of household did not matter. Children’s grades, and their relationships with their siblings and their friends, were about the same across all households. In a survey of adolescents living in nine types of households, those who lived with parents who had always been single and who were being raised in multi-generational households reported the highest sense of well-being of all those surveyed.
Can children of single parents fare just as well as children of married couples?
In studies as well as many reports from children themselves, children are better off raised by a single parent as opposed to living with married parents who engage in constant conflict. Children raised by one divorced parent sometimes have better outcomes than children raised by a parent who is remarried. It is impossible to predict a child's outcome based on this one factor alone.
Are there positives for children raised by a single parent?
Yes. Every situation involves trade-offs, and they often go unrecognized at the time. In a common refrain, the grown child of a single, working mom reported that he was glad that his mom was busy all the time. His friends, by contrast, had moms who stayed at home. These parents were hyper-involved in their lives, including their schoolwork and schedules. This overbearing participation produced problems between parent and child.
Can a single parent become too close to their child?
Are children of single parents at risk for substance abuse?
Are children of single parents at risk for other serious problems?
The Challenges of Single-Parent Families
Children need a safe and reliable household to flourish. Of course, it is much harder for single-parents who live with financial hardship. The Bureau of Labor Statistics
Size: 29.05 MB
Language: en
Added: May 10, 2024
Slides: 23 pages
Slide Content
PROGRAM WRITER: ANH NGUYEN MANUFACTURER: CHAU LE DIRECTOR: HA BA NHU MC: THU TRANG EMOTIONS JOURNEY FULL OF
Program "Journey Full Of Emotional : Single Parents" Singer, Actress NGUYEN MINH NGOC NGUYEN THI HONG NGOC NGUYEN THI THU TRANG Doctor, Psychologist MC
Program "Emotional Journey: Single Parents"
2.1. Definition Single-parent family is a family structure where there is only one parent, usually a single mother or father, responsible for the care and upbringing of children without the presence of both parents. Typically, single-parent families may stem from reasons such as divorce, loss, or abandonment, or may result from the voluntary decision of a mother or father to raise children alone. Single-parent families face many challenges in balancing work and family responsibilities.
2.2 Thesis statement In Vietnam, it is estimated that unmarried make up about 2.5% of the population, with the majority being women, accounting for 87.6% of the total single individuals
2.3. Reason
2.3.1. Objective reason The change of the family is inherently associated with the macro change of society. Over time, the new society will always develop and progress more than the old one. As a result, family relationships will become more equal and democratic. Women will be educated, have the right to express their values, their rights, and have the ability to earn money like men, so they will increasingly have a voice in the family. Besides, patriarchal ideas gradually ceased to exist, instead of equality and democracy in the family
2.3.2. Actively become single parents Nowadays, the concept of sexuality is becoming more open, personal freedom is respected, especially women's rights are valued, so individuals deciding to become single mothers for whatever reason are accepted by society to a certain extent. Many countries have accepted the single-mother model as a family form, with many supportive views and assistance. This ideology has strongly influenced the youth in Vietnam through cultural exchange and information flow, leading many young people to actively choose to become single mothers… Besides, the strong development of the economy is also one of the reasons leading to the trend of single motherhood among young people in Vietnam today Personal emotional life is not smooth, it can also be considered a factor leading to the trend of single motherhood among young people in Vietnam
2.3.3 Passively become single In a family with only a single mother, many women become single mothers passively. Many young people become single mothers due to premarital relationships but lack knowledge of safe sex or have unhealthy personal lives, leading to unintended pregnancies and accepting single motherhood passively. The most obvious case of passive single parenthood is women whose husbands have passed away, becoming widows and raising children alone. In family groups with only father and child, most are men who are forced to endure singlehood due to circumstances (divorce or wife's death).
2.4 CHALLENGES FACED BY SINGLE PARENTS NEON SKYLIGHT Studios BY INVISIBLE PRESSURES
Single parents often face financial obstacles that can make it difficult to provide for their families and build a stable future And financial strain often forces single parents to make difficult choices between necessities. They may have to forget healthy meals, skip doctor appointments, or choose between paying rent and utilities 2.4.1. Financial challenges
Single mothers may face criticism for having to fulfill both roles, while single fathers may struggle to be seen as capable caregivers Besides, some cultures or religions may have bad opinions about sile parenthood, particularly single motherhood through divorce or out-of-wedlock births 2.4.2. Social stigma
By the time they get home, they may be too physically and mentally exhausted for quality interactions. This can make their children feel uncaring and lost 2.4.3. Difficulty spending quality time with children, themselves Every minute seems dedicated to children’s needs and works and by the end of the day, single parents may have nothing left in the tank for themselves
It is the responsibility of the single parent to be the rock for their children, offering comfort, understanding and stability 2.5.1. Responsibilities of single-parent toward children
They demonstrate the importance of taking care of oneself, both physically and emotionally. This sets a foundation for the children to develop healthy habits and self-care routines as they grow older 2.5.2. Responsibilities of single-parent towrad themselves This self-care is not an act of selfishness but a crucial aspect of providing the best care for their children
2.6. Solutions
The state has set laws prohibiting child marriage Raise community awareness, educate children about sexuality and protection measures from an early age while still in school Promote and encourage everyone to take marriage, children, and family seriously. 2.6.1 How to minimize negative single-parent family issues
2.6.2 Learn how to balance 2.6.2.1 Balance between life and work Don't do too much work Share when needed Set limits 2.6.2.2. Financial balance On the monthly spending budget Set financial goals Savings
Almost all single parents forget that if they are safe and healthy, they can protect and take good care of those around them. You cannot become the best parent when you are not yet complete. Learn to balance time with your child and time for yourself. 2.6.2.3. Balance time for children and yourself.
2.6.3. Social support policies Additionally, social support networks, including family, friends, and the wider community, play a vital role in supporting single parents. Moreover, government policies providing financial support, such as reducing school fees for children from single-parent families, can help alleviate financial burdens and ensure that single parents have the necessary resources for themselves and their children.
2.7. Actual contact
Wait for the next episode of the program at 8.00 p.m on VTV3 chanel. Thank you Page