Single Parent Families

Single Parent Families

A single parent (also lone parent and sole parent) is a parent who cares for one or more children without the assistance of another parent in the home. The legal definition of "single parenthood" may vary according to the local laws of different nations or regions.

--One out of every two children in the United States will live in a single-parent family at some time before they reach age 18.--

Common Problems and Causes

Single-parenthood occurs for a variety of reasons, some of which may be:
- Divorce
- Adoption
- Artificial insemination
- Surrogate motherhood
- The result of death, child abuse, neglect or abandonment by biological parents

Single-parent families often struggle with more problems than the average American family, however with courage and hard work, they too can get through anything. These problems are not due to parenting styles, but the poor economic conditions of single-parent families. A few of the common problems are:

- lower levels of educational achievement
- twice as likely to drop out of school
- more likely to become teen parents
- less supervised by adults
- more likely to become truants
- more frequently abuse drugs and alcohol
- more high-risk sexual behavior
- more likely to join a gang
- twice as likely to go to jail
- four times as likely to have emotional and behavioral problems
- more likely to commit suicide
- twice as likely to get divorced in adulthood

Although, these families and children face tougher times economically or emotionally than those children from families with two-biological-parents, single-parent families can still grow up very well. These students can do well in school and maintain healthy behaviors and relationships, but it may just take a little more time or encouragement.

Sources: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/3235650/Children-in-single-parent-families-more-likely-to-suffer-emotional-problems-report-finds.html, http://atgstg01.pineforge.com/newman2studyfamilies/essays/single_parent.htm, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Single-parent, http://www.answers.com/topic/single-parent-families

*In 2000, about 30% of children lived in single parent families.*

Information for Parents

25 Reasons to Be a Proud Single Parent

1. You're on call 24/7.
2. You make sure the kids are up in time to get ready for school each morning.
3. You kiss every boo-boo.
4. You recognize your children as uniquely gifted and valuable individuals.
5. You tuck them in at night and make sure they're getting enough rest.
6. You plan every birthday celebration.
7. You make breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day.
8. You help your children with their homework.
9. You've created a warm and loving home.
10. You're the one who gets up at night when they're sick.
11. You're also the one who misses work to take care of them.
12. You've taught them the value of friendship.

13. You plan fun activities like roller skating, bowling, and hiking.
14. You teach them the value of hard work.
15. You demonstrate the value of money by spending carefully.
16. You help your kids make good decisions on a daily basis.
17. You answer their questions about the other parent.
18. You read to them.
19. You're the one keeping an eye on how much TV they watch.
20. You've learned to organize every aspect of your lives.
21. You know the difference between "wants" and "needs."
22. You've taught your children to be responsible for themselves.
23. You demonstrate resilience and determination every day.
24. Your kids know they're loved.
25. Your kids are proud of you, too.

Sites for Parents:	Sites for Students
- Being a Proud Single Parent - Tips for New Single Parents - Quotes about Motherhood - Encouraging Words for Parents - How to Be the Best Single Parent	- Living with a Single Parent - Fact Monster -Vocabulary

--According the United States Census Bureau, in 2002 about 20 million children lived in a household with only their mother or their father. This is more than one-fourth of all children in the United States.--

Educator Tidbits

It is important for educators to always have a good attitude and do everything possible for their students to feel comfortable and provide the best learning environment possible, especially when your students come from diverse family settings. Teachers also need to have good communication between their students parents or guardians. By working with the students family, it will allow students to feel connected and work harder on their schoolwork. Teachers need to be flexible and if the parents are divorced or separated, it's pertinent to communicate with both parents. Encourage parents to work with their children at home and engage in learning materials. Bring in the school counselor if necessary to help your students deal with all the changes that may be happening in their life. Another great way for all your students to understand the different family styles and parenting types it is good to discuss this in your classroom. Discuss the different types and give examples. Explain to your students that no matter the family styles, they are still loved and cared for. This will increase their self-esteem and allow them to express their feelings.

Sources: http://extension.missouri.edu/publications/DisplayPub.aspx?P=GH6611

--In 2002, 16.5 million or 23 percent of all children were living with their single mother. --

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