Single Parent Families - Knowing the Facts From the Myths

Does your family belong to the circle of families? Willingly or unwillingly, some people end up becoming one. It's high time the world gets a clearer picture of what they have to deal with so that ultimately, everyone can be more sympathetic and understanding.

There are various perceptions on single parenthood. They range from conservative to downright ridiculous. It's important to separate the facts from the myths. Some people are quick to judge or suggest solutions to problems face without studying the issues first.

Single-parent homes are not 'abnormal'

Families are generally considered non-traditional. Well, times have clearly changed these past few decades. Today, a family that is headed by a one parent actually less of the aberration and more of the norm. In the United States alone, studies show that around 59% of American children have experienced living under a single-parent roof at least one time during their minor years. A whopping 16 million American children, on the other hand, are living in a single-parent home at present.

They are not 'evil'

The rules of society dictate that a family must have a pair of parents-a man and a woman-to act as father and mother to their children. But things don't always go as planned and some people also have a different idea of the kind of parenting they want to do. Sometimes, even though two people get married and start a family, non-resolvable issues come up and they file for annulment or divorce. At other times, one of them dies, leaving the other with parenting responsibilities. And there are times when people just want to have children without a spouse. So contrary to prejudicial beliefs, being one is not a curse-and single parents are not committing a sin by not having a partner to help them with the job. If anything, they are being heroes, given the difficult task at hand.

Single-parent homes are not 'broken' homes

Parents who choose to divorce or who simply are not married by choice or otherwise do not necessarily have in their hands broken homes. Sometimes, a single-parent home proves to be the healthiest choice for children. Parents who fight all the time and can't seem to patch things up are better off separated so that their children can have the stable and peaceful environment they need. In fact, research shows that children who've had to live in single-parent homes turn out so much better than children who've had to endure a 'complete' but unhappy home. What's more, children of divorcees also show better adaptive skills-they can easily adjust and are usually more independent than their counterparts-and strive more to keep their own marriage intact when they grow up and get married.

In sum, families headed by one are just like any other family out there. Single or not, parents all want the best for their children. By giving them a chance through grants and support groups, and by treating them and their children fairly, you can help families flourish and get equal opportunities in life.

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