Unveiling the Possible Effects of Single Parenting

Single parenting is a process that is not only difficult on the adult involved, but on the child or children as well. With the loss of a parent or partner either through a breakup or a death, come a wide variety of possible effects that have the ability to be either good or bad. Depending on how the remaining parent decides to handle the situation, they can make the home environment more positive or negative, and this can shape how the child will behave and progress through life. The following possible effects of single parenting outline the most common occurrences among single parent families today.Effects of Single Parenting on the ChildPerhaps the most overlooked effects from single parenting are the ones that affect the children involved. Children can either excel or fail in a single parent home, and this is mostly dependant on how the situation is handled by the parent. In addition to providing for the basic essential needs of the child, a single parent must also maintain the lines of communication and allow the child or children the ability to express their feelings. Possible adverse effects of single parenting include poor behavior and performance at school, an increased chance of becoming involved in destructive behavior such as drugs and criminal acts, and also an increased chance of becoming pregnant or being sexually active at a young age. Counseling and parental involvement are essential to ensure that single parenting does not have these negative effects on a child.Positive effects are also possible when it comes to single parenting, particularly if it carries a child or children away from a relationship that was abusive or aggressive in nature. In these instances and when a parent takes the time to be actively involved in their children’s lives, the child is able to thrive and excel in all aspects of their lives. With proper counseling and attention the children also gain the ability to grow into well adjusted adults that will not repeat the cycle of abuse.Effects of Single Parenting on the ParentRaising a child or several children alone can be a lonely and draining experience. There are many negative effects that can tear a single parent down, but also a few positive ones that make all the effort worthwhile. Single parents have the ability to become alienated from friends and family and to lose all aspects of a social life as they struggle to take care of their children alone. It is important that single parents remember to make time for themselves every once in awhile so that they can surround themselves with a support system.A single parent who is unable or unwilling to accept help that is offered will also find themselves drained and exhausted while they work twice as hard to make ends meet. To avoid this, single parents should locate the resources that are available and not let their pride get in the way of creating a healthier and more enjoyable life for them and their children.There are many possible effects of single parenting which can affect both the child and adult that are involved. However, if both the parent and child are willing to take advantage of the help and resources available, then they will soon see that there can be far more positive effects involved than negative ones.