This is unquestionable that single parenting is the most challenging task to perform. However, the trend of sole parenting is increasing every year if we look at the latest statistics. In the United States alone, more than 25 million children live with their single parents (being moms or dads). Moreover, in the United Kingdom, there are 2 million single parents with dependent children according to the Office of National Statistics.
This increasing trend is a clear indication that more and more parents are adopting the single parenting system. But why? You will get the answer in this article where we are going to discuss what are the benefits of single parenting. It will help you to decide whether you should go with single parenting or not. Let’s begin the article.
Statistics on Single Parenting
Children with single parenting come with various benefits but before we explore them, let’s have a look at single parenting statistics. (These stats are taken from “The Annie E. Casey Foundation” which holds the data across the United States on children, parenting, and families.
- In the United States alone, more than 25 million children are dependent on single parents (either mother or father)
- Children with mother-only parents – 14.3 million
- Children with cohabiting parents (those who are committed but not married) – 6 million
- Kids with father-only households – 3.5 million
- 63% of black and American Indian kids live in single-parenting demographics
- More than 20% of children face single parenting under the age of 9 years
What Are the Benefits of Single Parenting
Getting divorced and being a single parent could be painful but at the same time, it comes with various advantages if you can realize. We are not promoting solo parenting as children are entitled to get the love of both; mother and father, but when you are a single parent or turning to it, then you must know the advantages of single parenting –
The Freedom of Decision Making
This is arguably one of the most sought-after benefits of single parenting that every parent seeks. You have the full authority to make decisions for your children wellness as the way you like. Initially, it may feel like a daunting task but soon you will realize that it helps you to make better and quick decisions.
Whether it is about the study of your child or their food items, you can decide everything freely as you don’t require any permission or approval from your partner as dual parents do.
Also read: Top 9 Time Management Tips for Working Moms to be More Efficient
Full Attention to Kids
Having kids comes with lots of responsibilities that often turn to complaints – not giving time to each other. Conversely, kids complain that their parents do not give time to them instead they spend most of their time together. In any scenario, this is not a good environment for a child’s development.
However, being a single parent eliminates all these complaints and results in better child growth. A single-parent mother or father can give sufficient time to their children while providing a better atmosphere to grow.
Kids May Better Understand Their Responsibility
The benefits of single parenting are not restricted to the parent’s freedoms and decision-making only but it helps kids to be responsible. It is often observed that kids with single parents better understand their responsibility as they notice all the times that their single mom and dad perform daily chores alone. This sense of responsibility helps greatly to the child’s growth.
Moreover, responsibility is a top-most quality that every parent expects from their child. The more the child is responsible, the better they perform in every phase of their life whether it is about school, college, or jobs. Child also ready to take on their responsibilities earlier than expected and they don’t have to rely on their parents all the time.
No Unnecessary Arguments
Children often go through a negative atmosphere due to their parents’ regular fights or unnecessary arguments. These small fights often turn to separation or divorce when they become consistent. But being a single parent also eliminates such an argumenting atmosphere and provides children more calm learning environment.
Another benefit of single parenting is that the child and parents get more closer to each other and offer more sense of belonging. Parents and children can share more space together further tightening their relationship which is often missed in traditional parenting systems.
Challenges of Single Parenting
It might look lucrative to see the benefits of single parenting but it could be as painful as running on thrones. Getting separated and nursing your child alone comes with a lot of challenges as discussed below –
- Financial Problems: The most common challenge every single parent faces is financial issues especially when both are separated while having well-paying jobs. Understandably, you will try your best to provide every financial security that is required but you may be stressed at all times. In the worst scenario, you may have to take multiple jobs to fulfill your financial needs.
- The Sense of Loneliness: It is applicable to both the child and parent as well. If you have a long relationship with your partner then the separation after years could be painful and it may fill you with loneliness. Similarly, if your children are more belong to your counterpart, they may also feel this loneliness. So, single parenting is not always fulfilling and fruitful as considered.
- Work Overloading: As a single parent you have to perform all daily tasks on your own. From daily chores to official work, there is a lot of work to go through. Your counterpart will not be there to assist you and you have a small baby, it becomes even more challenging. For the worst scenario, your child may be more inclined to your partner rather than you and you cannot expect support from them.
Conclusion
As the trend increases every year, there are definitely benefits of single parenting. Whether it is about managing your finances or making any decision for your child, you have the full autonomy to think about the good and bad of your child. However, solo parenting is not something running on a bed of roses, the thrones also run along with it. So, keep all the points noted when you are thinking of turning to a single parent.
