A Discussion on The Increasing Number of Single Parenting in The United States

Introduction

Nowadays, there is an increase in single parenting due to the high rate of divorce and lack of contraception. Since the 1970s, single parenting in the United States has risen to seventy percent. Children who grow up in single-parent families are often viewed differently because of social stereotypes. People often believe that children with only one parent are more likely to cause problems in society. Being raised by just one parent may seem challenging and tough. However, in today’s society, many children have grown up to become emotionally stable and prosperous, regardless of whether they had one or two parents. Children of single parents can be just as progressive with emotional, social, and behavioral skills as those with two parents. What people must understand is that raising a child does not rely on the structure of a family but should focus more on the process and values taught to these children as they mature. Family can be an important influence on children, but it is not about the number of family members; it is about how they influence their children's lives.

Challenging the Stereotypes

People claim that the only way for children to gain full emotional and behavioral skills is to be raised by both a mother and a father. In the article “Single-parent families cause juvenile crime,” Robert L. Maginnis states, “Children from single-parent families are more likely to have behavior problems because they tend to lack economic security and adequate time with parents” (Maginnis, 1997). It is absurd to claim that criminals are products of single-parent adolescence. People must understand that raising a child can be extremely difficult for one parent by themselves. A single parent must work full-time to afford the living expenses for themselves and their child. They also need to find time to provide substantial emotional support for the well-being of their child. Although this may seem impossible, it can be accomplished if the parent dedicates enough effort to their children. Raising a child does not rely on the structure of a family; what is important is “love.” It is the most precious emotion we can share with our family.

Role Models and Support Systems

People often think that children of single parents cannot be successful in life because they lack both parents as role models. For instance, in “Single-parent Families Cause Juvenile Crime” by Robert L. Maginnis, he claims that boys without fathers as male role models struggle in their teenage years (Maginnis, 1997). While having a father around is essential for a male child, there are other ways of teaching a young boy the lessons he needs to become a man. Role models can be individuals other than parents, such as a brother, a friend, or a teacher. My parents divorced when I was in elementary school, and I lived with my grandparents because my father was too busy with work. Although my mother was absent, I had many positive female role models in my life. My grandmother was always there to guide me as I blossomed into a young woman. Additionally, my aunt, uncle, and cousins provided the time and attention I needed. I had the best support group while growing up. As a child with a single father, I felt no different from those with both parents. Although it was sometimes challenging for my father to meet my needs, he did his best and provided the knowledge I needed to become a successful woman without my mother's guidance. Additionally, single parents have a unique opportunity to model strong, ethical behavior for their children. By negotiating day-to-day challenges, handling emergencies, and being there for the child, a single parent shows their child that it is possible to live and thrive independently. This is particularly helpful if the child's other parent is a poor role model.

Quality Over Quantity

In the article “A Conversation about Single Parenting: Challenging the Stereotypes” by Patricia Leavy, she claimed, “No one can completely take the place of an absent parent. But one person can make a difference in filling a few voids” (Leavy, 2013). In other words, one “good” parent beats two “okay” parents. Take Jay Chou, a famous singer from Taiwan, as an example. His parents divorced when he was thirteen, and he lived with his mother because his father had issues with child abuse. In high school, he did not perform well academically and could not get into college due to his poor grades. Frustrated, he decided to work at a coffee shop for the rest of his life. However, Jay’s mother did not give up on him; she discovered his talent in music and encouraged him to pursue his dream of becoming a singer. Now one of the most important singers in Asia, Jay credits his mother for inspiring him to hold on to his dream.

The Importance of Healthy Relationships

Children raised by both a mother and father may receive more attention from both parents, gaining the emotional support they need to progress in life. While this may be true, it is not universally applicable. Growing up in a two-parent family where parents constantly argue and demean each other is not beneficial. Larissa Pople, a senior researcher at The Children’s Society, stated, “It is the quality of the relationship that is much more important than the structure of the family” (Tomlinson, 2018). Naturally, a child who witnesses such behavior from a young age until they are independent may follow in the footsteps of what they have always known. Conversely, a child raised by a single parent who devotes time and emotion to them would benefit much more than a child with both parents who show that fighting and arguing is acceptable.

Conclusion

Not all families are fortunate enough to have a healthy structure. It is important for society and government aid to recognize these structural differences and take action. Whatever family structure is in place, it must be built on respect and strong moral values that can be passed on to future generations. Parents and children undergo significant changes when transitioning from a traditional family to a single-parent family. However, the disadvantages can be managed and countered with advantages. Single-parent families can be just as successful as dual-parent families, though it may require a little more effort.

References

Leavy, P. (2013). A Conversation about Single Parenting: Challenging the Stereotypes.

Maginnis, R. L. (1997). Single-parent families cause juvenile crime.

Tomlinson, M. (2018). The Importance of Relationship Quality Over Family Structure. The Children’s Society.