Can a Single Parent Raise a Successful Child? What is considered societies common family dynamic is no longer the norm however, are the single family children of today destined for failure? For centuries studies have claimed that children that are raised in a home with both a father and a mother, do better that children who are raised by a single parent. They claim that a single parent cannot raise a successful child. Researches claim that children in single parent homes do not do well in school, and they have mental health issues. David Batty wrote an article claiming that children who were raised in a single-parent home were twice more likely to develop mental health problems than those children who were raised with married parents. An article written by Mark Bara said a studied showed: A large majority of studies reviewed show that children from single-parent (SP) homes score lower on tests of cognitive functioning and standardized tests, receive lower GPAs, and complete fewer years of school when compared to children from two -parent (TP) homes. Studies that have mainly addressed single-parent families from birth have usually been on families in which the parents were young, uneducated, and poor. That is not always the case. Most of these studies and research needs to be updated. Times have changed, there are more single parent homes now than ever. According to the U.S. Census (2009): Of the 35 million households in the United States with children under the age of eighteen, more than 10 million-close to one in three-are headed by single parents. Of these, 8.7 million households have single moms at the helm, and 1.5 million are headed by single dads. There are many single parents that raise successful children. Alicia Keys ... ... middle of paper ... ...chiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology 47.11 (2012): 1707-715. Friesen, Karen. Facts on Single Parents. http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/single-parents-4202.htm. Batty, David. "Single-parent Families Double Likelihood of Child Mental Illness."Theguardian.com. Guardian News and Media, 21 Feb. 2006. Web. 02 Dec. 2013. Barajas, Mark S. "Academic Achievement of Children in Single Parent Homes: A Critical Review." The Hilltop Review 5.1 (2012). Kennedy, Marge M., and Janet Spencer. King. The Single-parent Family: Living Happily in a Changing World. New York: Crown Trade Paperbacks, 1994. Miller, Naomi. Single Parents by Choice: A Growing Trend in Family Life. New York: Insight, 1992. Kashani, Javad H. Raising Happy Children: A Parent's Guide. New York: Three Rivers, 1998. Levine, Madeline. Teach Your Children Well: Parenting for Authentic Success. New York: Harper, 2012.
Thiessen, Sarah (1997). Effects of Single Parenting on Adolescent Academic Achievement: Establishing a risk and protective framework
...ne of the best predictors of children's emotional and social well-being.While a single parent family may not be the ideal situation for raising children, many two-parent families are also less than desirable. Results of studies have indicated that a home filled with conflict is the least desirable home environment for children. When the child's prior two-parent household included frequent fighting and discord between the adults, the child can benefit from living in a one-parent home provided that the conflict is stopped. A parent who is no longer devoting time to warring with a partner may have more energy to give to the kids. Children observe adult relationships and usually apply what they have learned to their own relationships as adults. By residing with only one parent, the child may actually have a chance to observe healthier adult relationships”.(Hansen, 2011)
...ou will be as equally as surprised to find out that some of these kids in the classroom were never able to graduate due to imminent problems in the household and psychological development leading to mental trauma. A census study shows that most single parent kids will start working at 15 to aid the parent in paying for essentials. Although the odds are tough for single parents and children, you must never forget the strong parents who do undergo the challenge with effectiveness and stability. And of course, you must not forget the child who stood by their single parent and developed strength and character to help the family overcome any obstacle. Single parenthood is a fascinating concept which breeds heroes and well-built people who were able to conquer the impediment thrown at them. But, remember that some of these people weren't able to make it past as well.
Over the past 20 years, the rate of single parent families has increased tremendously and have become even more common than other types of family(Nuclear and extended family) consisting of father,mother,children and other family members.Today we see all sorts of single parent families headed by mothers, headed by fathers, headed by a grandparent raising their grandchildren. The motive of this research was to find out how single parenthood affects a child 's behaviour. I was interested in researching on how single parenting affects a child 's behaviour because nowadays, we see a lot of single parent.
Research shows that a child being raised in a single-parent home may also end up suffering from anxiety, major depression, and substance abuse for those who are between the ages 21 to 25. Research also shows that they may also have suicidal thoughts and may also attempt suicide at some point in their lives. It is also possible that they may end up without a college degree and will most likely be depending on government assistance. A child raised with just one parent also has a higher risk of going to jail at some point in their lives. In other words, a child coming from a single parent home has a higher chance of having an unstable life (Ferguson et
Worobey, A. R. and J.L. (1988) Single Motherhood and Children’s Health, Journal of Health and Social Behavior
...istics, 1999). McBride, Brent A., Sara K., Sullivan, and Ho-Ho (2005) reported about the achievement levels in a adolescent who grows up with a father, “A study of 1330 children from the PSID showed that fathers who are involved on a personal level with their child schooling increases the likelihood of their child's achievement. When fathers assume a positive role in their child's education, students feel a positive impact.” (p. 201-216). Children who do not grow up in a two parent homes, are more likely to fail and repeat a grade in school. It is also important to note that children who grow up in single parent families are less likely to have parents involved with the school, 62% of children with two parent homes have parents that are involved in school, while children from single parent homes have half of them involved in school (Nord, Winquist, West, 2001).
It is never a child’s decision to only live with one parent. There are many ways that single-parent homes occur. Some of these ways include unplanned pregnancy, divorce, the decision to be a single parent by choice, and death of a spouse. In every case families are disputed greatly. Parents might experience depression, emotional problems etc…. but the child is affected the most. Single-parent families are commonly targeted for controversial issues. We must be careful that we don’t stereotype these when they’re very hard to take care of themselves and their children. We do however need to notice distinct patterns in children who give up in a single parent home and what problems they face. Even though a dual family is noted as the best environment for c...
There can be numerous good positive outcome of growing in a single parent household. Developing a strong bond with the child and parent is a positive effect. Spending that one on one time lets the child know that you care and make the relationship grow. Growing up mature children to adults and knowing what it takes to take care of a family with one parent. Graduating and becoming someone other than another statistic can all be positive effects on growing up in a single parent home. Being a mentor or role model and letting someone else know that you can be whatever no matter where you come from. So you can succeed in a single parent household if you are in a home that rises to the top of their situation. These single parent family are becoming college graduates, doctors, lawyers, singers, actors, or playing pro football, baseball, or basketball to name a
For many years, many have stated that children raised in a single parent household, has a lesser change at becoming successful, than those who are raised in a two parent household. Although, some researchers, as well as others, may find this statement to be somewhat true, I personally beg to differ.
We all know someone who is a single parent or someone who is raised by a single parent. It’s almost inevitable considering the high percentage of single mothers, and fathers, in the United States. As of 2016, twenty-seven percent of all children in the US live with only one parent. Myself being raised by my mother alone, I have a bit of insight on why growing up with a single mom is one of the biggest problems facing youth today.
It has been said, children from two-parent families are better off. The setting is also a factor to take into consideration. The increase in single- parent homes has had an extensive and negative effect on children’s development. 50% of marriages end in divorce. We have young people with young minds having children, they can hardly take care of themselves at the age of 21, yet they have decided to bring four children into this world to be raised by one parent. In some communities, majority of the children are being raised by a single parent. Statistics have shown that children raised in a healthy single parent home have more problems emotionally, psychologically, in school, and with the law than those raised in healthy two-parent homes. No matter how good a single parent is, that a single parent can NEVER do for the child how two present, committed, parent partners share and work together; communicate together and solve problems together as equals.
Single parent households are becoming so common that is is expected. The amount of children living with their father has gone up but it is still pretty low compared to children living with their mothers. Which parent you are raised by is important. Each parent can only teach you what they learned. You mother can only teach you how to be a mother and your father can only teach you how to be ...
and the stress of raising a child as a single parent can be all too familiar. Statistics show that a
“ The Disadvantages of Single Parenting”. All- About- Motherhood. n.p. n.d. Web. 26 Nov. 2011.