Overview Single-parent families, by definition, are families having a single parent as the head of the family either by choice, as a consequence of death of the other partner, or divorce. It is important to note that over the last two decades, single parent families have been on the increase – effectively resulting in family structure changes. As a matter of fact, as Strong, DeVault, and Cohen (2010) point out, “in the United States, as throughout the world, single parent families have increased and continue to grow in number” (p. 468). Various research studies conducted in the past have clearly demonstrated that single parent families face more challenges than two-parent families. This text will identify some of the more prominent challenges that have been identified. Further single parenting resources and some of the solutions to the identified challenges will be highlighted.

Discussion

Stereotypes and Discrimination

It is important to note, from the onset, that discrimination and stereotypes happen to be some of the major challenges single families face. Towards, this end, single parent families are viewed as dysfunctional or broken homes, and as Erera (2001) points out, at the societal level, “the prevalent perception of the single-parent family is one of deviance…” What this effectively means is that single parents, especially single mothers are likely to be viewed as being irresponsible and uncaring even in situations whereby the single parenthood situation was triggered by circumstances beyond their control, i.e. death of the other partner. On the other hand, single fathers are likely to attract sympathy even in those instances whereby single parenting is by choice. As Valiquette-Tessier, Vandette, and Gosselin (2015) observe, married parents appear to remain the parental type that is the most positively stereotyped and against which other types are compared.” This is the perception that is widely accepted society-wide. For single mothers, this is especially a significant problem as it could get in the way of providing for the family i.e. via reduced employment opportunities. Further, such stereotypes and judgmental tendencies often make it difficult for single parents to maintain self-confidence. Also of great concern is the issue of discrimination – on the basis of erroneous perceptions. For instance, a single mother may be denied promotion opportunities on the strength of the ‘irresponsible’ tag. Employers could also view single parents as having too many parenting responsibilities to be able to handle more professional roles at the workplace. There are various strategies single parents could adopt in an attempt to rein in other people’s perceptions of single parents, especially in instances whereby the said perceptions get in the way of professional development or cost one a job. These include, but they are not limited to, seeking legal redress. Towards this end, it should be noted that making use of familial responsibilities or structure as a basis for discrimination at the workplace is illegal under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Single parents also ought to be assertive, goal-oriented, and avoid being swayed by other persons’ perception of themselves or their families.

Finances and Poverty

In essence, “single parents are typically the sole bread winners and primary caregivers within a family” (Allen and Eby, 2016, p. 365). In two-parent families, partners often share financial responsibilities through separation of responsibilities (in which case one partner could take care of the education needs of children while the other parent addresses day to day expenses in the household), or through pooling of funds (whereby incomes of both parents are pooled together to address familial expenses). It therefore follows that single parents have to use a single paycheck to run the household. Additional expenses, over and above meeting basic needs could also put a strain on single family households, further pushing the said families towards poverty. Additional expenses in this case could include day care costs, the cost of hiring a babysitter, legal bills incurred in custody or maintenance court battles, etc. According to a testimony Ron Haskins gave to the United States Senate Committee on Finance, one of the most significant contributors to rising poverty levels in the U.S., especially amongst women, is single parent parenthood (Haskins, 2012). Haskins is a former adviser on welfare issues in White House and Congress. In that regard, therefore, he is well-placed to comment on issues to do with poverty, its triggers, and impact. In his own words, “if wages do not improve at the bottom, all single parents with two or more children at or below the 10th percentile – and even many above the 10th percentile...

To better take charge of their finances, single family households ought to approach spending from the same front. This is to say that in instances where funds are limited, single parents ought to bring to the attention of their children this particular fact. This is helpful as each member of the family would read from the same script on what is necessary and what is not, hence helping cut down on luxurious spending.
Children Psychological and Developmental Concerns

Yet another issue single parent families have to contend with is psychological and developmental issues affecting children. Present research indicates that children from single parent households often have to deal with a myriad of psychological issues. According to Jackson, Preston, and Franke (2010), studies conducted by various authors “suggest that single mothers’ parenting stress – stemming, perhaps, from the single-handed negotiation of heavy parenting responsibilities – may have serious consequences for the wellbeing of poor and near-poor black children, especially if emotionally stressed mothers are more likely than others to rely on aversive, coercive discipline techniques.” Therefore, due to challenges encountered at home, children from single family households could also exhibit a bitter attitude. This, coupled with low self-esteem could make life challenging for such children – effectively affecting their ability to socialize or even interact with their peers. It should also be noted that a single parent could also find it difficult to instill discipline amongst children – with the emotional and other related challenges children in these family settings have to contend with pushing them to truant engagements. When a parent does not have sufficient time to address issues of indiscipline, perhaps due to other engagements, the situation could get worse, effectively inhibiting any disciplinary measures for deviant behavior.

It is important to note that unlike their single parent peers, children coming from families having both parents often have greater educational, and thus self-advancement opportunities. As a matter of fact, according to Jeynes (2000), numerous studies have clearly indicated that children from two-parent households often perform better in their academics, especially in science and math. Further, according to Pong, Dronkers, and ampden-Thompson (as cited in Anderson, 2014), “children in single-mother families were twice as likely to have been absent from school for eleven or more days in the past year due to illness or injury (6%) compared with children in two-parent families (3%).” This is more so the case given that two parent families have better financial capabilities and may therefore be able to better direct the social as well as academic abilities of their children.

In essence, children from families forced into a single family structure by divorce or death face special kinds of challenges. This is particularly the case given that the exit of one parent effectively brings about sudden change of family dynamics. To begin with, such children (especially older children from households having limited financial resources) might be forced into caretaker roles while the single parent is at work. This reduces the time available for them to either study or socialize with peers. It is also important to note that in instances involving a messy separation such as an acrimonious divorce, the ensuing parental conflict and subsequent separation could effectively affect children emotionally. This is more likely when children are made to choose one parent over the other. For a single parent, ensuring that single parenting has no negative developmental or psychological impact on children could be an uphill task. Some of the strategies that single parents could adopt in this case include, but they are not limited to, setting parenting boundaries and engagement limits in case of divorce, involving the extended family where there is need to neutralize the other parent’s absence, and seeking the services of a professional (i.e. a professional counselor) if a situation calls for such an engagement (i.e. when children become rebellious and exhibit clear developmental or emotional challenges).

Coping with Change

Human beings are said to be creatures of habit. This effectively means that in most cases, they find it difficult to adapt to change. Single parenting as a consequence of death or divorce is a situation that calls for the relevant adaptive measures. Unfortunately, as Strong, DeVault, and Cohen (2010) point out, many single parents find it difficult to let go of the other partner, a move that effectively deprives them of the psychological stability and well-being needed to take…