Numerous studies have shown that an absent father in a family has a significant impact on all troubling behavior in children. It may well be one of the most important single contributor causing the problem.
The reasons vary on why fathers are absent such as
• Separation or divorce
• Second families
• Death
• Overseas or long distance workplace
• Unplanned pregnancy
Being the main male role model in the family, the effects can be serious. For example,
• The single mom will face a huge challenge parenting alone.
• The child will grow up affected by the fact that he was abandoned by an important person. The feeling of not being good enough or rejected will stay on as he grows.
• To a girl, when an important male abandons her, she may grow up believing that men cannot be trusted.
• A single female parent may face difficulty in dealing with an adolescent child.
Statistics show that one in five children is living with a single parent. Teen pregnancy and single parenthood are also on the rise. These cases may be the result of a marriage breakdown. In such a case, parents have to work hard on their marriage relationship and maintain their family unity in order to avoid falling into any of the situation above.
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This is interesting. I noticed there were no links in this post to specific resources that make the suggestions. For example your quote above that says: “The single mom will face a huge challenge parenting alone.” Don’t all parents face challenges with their kids at some point in time?
With all due respect, when one parent is absent, I believe it is the single parents job to surround their child with positive role models that can serve as examples. This does not have to be in the form of a spouse. It can be a coach, church, cub scouts or girl scouts, youth groups etc.
Finally, I wanted to point out something that I recently read on Yahoo: Single Parents May Do as Well as Two: Study
No disrespect, just my way to have conversation about this
Hi Trina, I agree with you that parenting is a huge challenge even for couples. For single parents, the responsibility is more daunting as there is no partner to share it with. You are right in saying that the single parent should find good role models to surround the child. I also believe this is important.
Parenting is not an easy task and couples or single parents have to work hard to raise their children properly. The success rest upon the parent’s involvement and commitment. Yes, a single parent can actually do better at parenting and I don’t doubt that. I really respect those who have done a good job raising their children alone.
Thanks for your comments!
That’s fine but it’s a huge and expensive uphill struggle to be recognised as a child’s father and get to have an involvement in his or her life in the face of the mother’s opposition.
I am sorry to hear about your situation. I hope things will work out for the best for everyone concern.