Single Parent Family Essay

To some, a family must come in pairs- husband and wife, or mother and father; however, one of the most striking changes in family structure over the last twenty years has been the increase of single parent families. Throughout the years, high divorce rates and adults choosing not to marry has become the fastest growing family form in North America. In today’s society it is estimated that more than half of all children in North America will live in a single-parent family (Ward, Belanger, 2011). Currently, these single-parent families are headed by 88 percent of women and 12 percent men (Ward, Belanger, 2011). There is a special worry over the “epidemic” of adolescent mother’s, due to the high chance they will live on welfare and their children will face problems other’s do not, such as; possible abuse and children becoming troubled. Next, The single father is most common as a result of the increase in divorce and the granting of custody to fathers. These men tend to spend less time in caring for young children than mothers do but happen to face many more similarities than differences. Altogether, both the single father and teen mother will face economic problems after separation or divorce. In todays society families are expected to live in a traditional family style. Except The Lone-Parent Family is however becoming more common throughout time. This essay will examine the quality of lone-parent life; it’s effects on children and categorized groups known as both ‘The Teen Mother’ and ‘The Single Father. Although some may say this type of family is a bonding experience, it is however inadequate for both the parent and children.

“Being a single parent could feel like a mouse racing on a wheel, where he/she is continually runni...

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...er experiences conflict between culture and the needs of their children (Ward, Belanger, 2011). It is, however, unfortunate that single mothers suffer from high levels of psychological distress than married mothers (Paynter, 2004). This lifestyle and influence impacts their child’s development. Although there are fewer single fathers, and they don’t have as much of a struggle financially, they spend less time caring for their children than mothers do. Therefore both the single father and teen mother have a bad impact and influence on their child. Although children in lone-parent families are stereotyped as being more likely to become emotionally disturbed or delinquent that isn’t always the case (Ambert, 2006). These emotions are much more complex than that. Overall, the quality of life differentiates based on their economic circumstances, housing and social life.