{"id":25562,"date":"2018-07-17T10:56:12","date_gmt":"2018-07-17T10:56:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/?p=25562"},"modified":"2024-07-15T05:48:54","modified_gmt":"2024-07-15T05:48:54","slug":"effects-of-single-parenting-in-a-childs-life","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/parenting\/effects-of-single-parenting-in-a-childs-life\/","title":{"rendered":"The Psychological and Social Effects of Single Parenting in a Child\u2019s Life"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-52057\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/the-psychological-and-social-effects-of-single-parenting-in-a-child%E2%80%99s-life.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\">Family &ndash; this is a word that evokes memories of happy times.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Sharing what happened throughout the day at dinner, opening presents at Christmas, and even having a shouting match with your younger brother; all these things show that you have an inseparable bond with your family members.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">But not all people are blessed with a happy family.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">In this modern age, we see a large number of single parents struggling to provide a secure home for their children. There are many reasons for this increase in the number of children raised by single parents.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The<strong> most common causes of single parenting<\/strong> are teenage pregnancy, divorce, and the unwillingness of the partner to share responsibility.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">In such instances, it is the children of single-parent that suffer the most when couples are not committed to making their relationship work.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Children who are brought up in a two-parent home enjoy better educational and financial advantages.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Negative effects of single parenting on a child can affect a child&rsquo;s social and emotional development.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">This article addresses some single parenting issues and pivots around the impact of single-parent families on child development.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Also watch:<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Lack-of-finances\"><\/span><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/MpTefcuwbsk\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><br><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Lack of finances<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">One of the most common single parenthood issues is a lack of finances.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Single parents face the challenge of limited funds because they are the only source of income. A single parent might have to work more extended hours to meet the financial requirements of running a household single-handedly.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">A shortage of money can mean that children might be forced to drop out of dance classes or sports league as the single parent is unable to meet the additional expense.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">If there are several children in the house, then it <strong>might become very challenging to fulfill all the needs of the children.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>According to Maggie Martinez, a licensed clinical social worker:<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>These needs might be friend-related needs, school-related needs, or hobbies.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The financial stress of living from hand to mouth puts additional pressure on the single parent, which can be easily recognized by the children.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Academic-achievement\"><\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Academic achievement<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-46502\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Academic-achievement.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Mothers usually run single-parent households. The absence of a father, together with financial hardships, can increase the danger of poor academic performance by such children.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Similarly, the&nbsp;<\/span><a class=\"_e75a791d-denali-editor-page-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/46553013_Does_Growing_Up_with_a_Parent_Absent_Really_Hurt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">psychological effects of growing up without a mother<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">&nbsp;can be very damaging to a child.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">If there is no financial support from fathers, single mothers have to work more, which means that they are unable to spend much time with their children.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">They might have to miss special school events and may not be at home to help them with their homework.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p>As Maggie Martinez explains:<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>With this, you have extended family members raising the kids or babysitters who are unrelated to the children. This puts even more distance&nbsp;between&nbsp;the single parent and the child.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">This<strong> lack of supervision and guidance can result in poor performance<\/strong> in school in comparison to children who have emotional and financial support from fathers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Moreover, this also adds to the problems single mothers face in society as people tend to judge them as an inadequate parent.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Low-self-esteem\"><\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Low self-esteem<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-46503\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Low-self-esteem.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">A child gets a sense of security from home, which affects how they interact with the outside world.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Low expectations from people around them is another effect of being raised by a single parent. They may be unable to maintain a happy and healthy marriage life as they have not experienced living with both parents.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The primary cause of&nbsp;<\/span><a class=\"_e75a791d-denali-editor-page-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4201193\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">low self-esteem<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">&nbsp;in such children stems from the fact that they do not get adequate attention and advice from their only parent, which can severely hinder their emotional and psychological growth.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">It is essential to <strong>show that you are proud of your child&rsquo;s achievements<\/strong> by putting his report card up on the refrigerator or rewarding them for doing household chores.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Children of single-parent can also feel lonely if they spend too much time alone, making it challenging for them to interact with their age group.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">They may suffer from abandonment issues and may have trouble connecting with older individuals because of a lack of confidence.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">If they feel that their parents do not love them, then they struggle to understand how someone else will find them worthy. Such issues can get magnified when a child is growing up with a single parent.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The effects of single parenting on children can be more severe, given that they only have one guardian who is looking out for their interests.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Behavioral-pattern\"><\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Behavioral pattern<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-46504\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Behavioral-pattern.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Single parent households usually have a shortage of finances, which can have emotional effects on the children, such as increased frustration and anger and an increased danger of violent behavior.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"><strong>They might experience feelings of sadness, anxiety, loneliness, abandonment<\/strong>, and have difficulty with socializing.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The association of single parents with different partners can also leave a profound impact on the child. Such single-parent children may also have a commitment phobia.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Positive-effects\"><\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Positive effects<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-46505\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Positive-effects.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">There are a few positive effects of single parenting on children, but they greatly rely on parenting techniques and personality types.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">A recent&nbsp;<\/span><a class=\"_e75a791d-denali-editor-page-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/scholar.utc.edu\/cgi\/viewcontent.cgi?article=1329&amp;context=mps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">study<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">&nbsp;shows that children who are over 12 years of age do not show any adverse signs of single parenting on their educational, psychological, and social development.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Furthermore, such <strong>children show strong responsibility skills as the duty of household tasks and chores fall upon them<\/strong>. Such kids form a powerful bond with their parents as they are codependent on each other.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Children raised by single parents also develop strong relationships with family, friends, or extended family members who have been an intricate part of their lives.&nbsp; &nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Single-parenting-tips\"><\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Single parenting tips<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-46506\" src=\"https:\/\/image.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Single-parenting-tips.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"804\" height=\"350\"><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Raising a kid under any circumstance is a strenuous task; on top of that, being a single parent only brings the added pressure and stress.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">However, while you juggle to manage yourself, your children, and your home, there are certain <strong>things you can do to the whole single-parenting more efficiently<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Here are some tips for you to manage your way through the up&rsquo;s and down&rsquo;s of single parenting and counter the negative effects of being raised by a single mother or father:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Set time aside every day to connect with your kids, find out about what they are doing, and show them your love and care.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Have a structured routine, especially for your kids. Kids thrive when they stick to a routine, and it also helps them to inculcate good habits.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Look after yourself. For you to be able to raise your kids in a healthy environment, you need to ensure that you are healthy enough. Workout whenever you can and eat healthily. This would also inspire your kids.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Don&rsquo;t blame yourself, and stay positive. Even Rome wasn&rsquo;t built in a day, so creating a good home and family for you and your kids would take a lot of time and patience that would need you to remain positive.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul><p><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Conclusion<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Although you cannot control the path that your relationships might take, you can try to make the best of such situations.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Being aware of the difficulties that might be faced by a child growing up in a single-parent home can help you understand their mental state and become a better single parent.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false,"raw":""},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Family &ndash; this is a word that evokes memories of happy times.&nbsp; Sharing what happened throughout the day at dinner, opening presents at Christmas, and even having a shouting match with your younger brother; all these things show that you have an inseparable bond with your family members.&nbsp; But not all people are blessed with a happy family. In this modern age, we see a large number of single parents struggling to provide a secure home for their children. There are many reasons for this increase in the number of children raised by single parents.&nbsp; The most common causes of <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1419,"featured_media":52057,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[39],"tags":[2660],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25562"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1419"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25562"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25562\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":102981,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25562\/revisions\/102981"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/52057"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25562"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=25562"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=25562"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}