Question

Discuss some aspects of single parenthood. Is there a difference between being a single mother and a single father?

Answer 1

Single parenthood commences in the absence of the other parent and opposes co-parenting. It progresses due to several reasons like the death of husband or wife, intentional artificial insemination, unplanned pregnancy, adoption and legal separation of couples or divorce. Reports suggest that single parents have more than tripled as a share of American households, since 1960.

Like any other stage in life, single parenthood is a challenging phase for both men and women. Single parenthood has both positive and negative aspects. The brighter side of single parenting is strong connection between mother and the child or the father and the child. The child mostly depends on the single parent emotionally, financially, and in various other ways. They can also develop strong connections with the family members or supporters of the single parent. Single parenting can motivate a child to become independent as quickly as possible, to act as a support to the single parent, thus making them responsible and assuming responsibilities. Responsibilities make children of single parents mature in life. Such children can treat their single parents as inspirations or role models, whose footsteps can be followed to attain success in life. It is also important to note that in case of single parenting, there is absence of quarrels between partners, which negatively affects a child's growth.

Reports have found that single parents earn less than married parents. Thus, the darker side of single parenting is financial stress beared by the single parent. Partners can share the financial burden of raising a child. But a single parent has to bear all the financial requirements of raising a child, which can lead to stress. The parent can excessively be involved in work, with no time to spent with the child. This might make the child more vulnerable to loneliness, peer pressure, educational problems, emotional problems, etc. The child might also start feeling the need of the other parent, who was previously involved in parenting.

I think there is no difference between being a single mother and a single father. Irrespective of the gender, the growth and development of the child is dependent on a single individual. The advantage of division of responsibilities in raising a child is not available either to a single mother or to a single father. One has to manage everything single-handedly. But much is dependent on the internal and external resources and support system of the single mother or the single father. Sometimes single mothers are blessed with highly supportive parents and are able to earn well to raise their kids successfully. Sometimes single fathers are blessed with wealth as well as loyal caretakers. If single mothers are financially weak, they might face huge problems in raising their kids. Similarly, if single fathers are financially weak, they might also face problems in raising their children.

So, challenges of raising a child alone remain the same for single mothers and fathers. One has to understand the requirements of a child, and accordingly, develop or arrange for resources and support systems.