The family has been redefined countless times over the centuries. These days, there are family situations in which there are people who are marrying same sex, 50+ year age gaps and even inanimate objects. Probably the most significant change to the stereotypical family dynamic is that of the single-parent family.
Single parent families have now become basically expected and practically mainstream. It’s the result of couples divorcing or producing a child out of wedlock. With all these significant changes to America’s family dynamic over the years, it should lead you to ask what path is best for you and yours. There are definitely pros and cons to any situation; however, extensive studies suggest there are some significant downfalls to raising children with only one parent in the home.
Academic Effects of Children in Single Parent Families
While many single parents have done a phenomenal job with raising their children by themselves, there is no denying that some areas are inevitably neglected. Studies have found that the majority of single parent households are under the direction of mothers. This forces the mother to wear both hats of parenting as far as being a bread winner while still focusing on the needs of the children. With more time spent earning an income and financial difficulties resulting from a small budget, it can lead to single parents neglecting the nurturing of their children’s studies. This ultimately results in academic drawbacks and struggles in school.
Emotional Effects of Children in Single Parent Families
The U. S. census bureau estimates that 60% of children who are raised by a mother alone are considered to be at the poverty level or below. It is obvious that the conditions of living in poverty can be stressful. The effect of this stress on the emotions of children can develop low self-esteem, behavioral outbreaks, and emotional insecurities. Many develop issues with abandonment and depression along with an increased level of difficulty with socializing with their peers and other adults.
Physical Effects of Children in Single Parent Families
While there are many families that only have one dad or one mom, the physical effects span across a broad spectrum. If the father is absent, it is very possible that the children will not have that role model of developing hand-eye coordination through playing catch and other activities that fathers do with their children. If the mother is absent, it is very possible that essential physical needs are not taken care of.
For instance, nutritional deficiencies are often found as well as severe health problems going unnoticed. Generally speaking, mothers are often quick to single out anything from symptoms of poison ivy, eczema, common colds to even listening to children describe
hemorrhoids symptoms. When this happens, children will often go for long periods of time before finally learning how to
get rid of hemorrhoids or whatever physical problem they are having by themselves. Indeed, there are many negative effects on children who live in single parent families.
