Perils of single parenting

Single parenthood is the practice of raising children or building a family without a spouse or partner. As a system of building a family, single parenthood is becoming acceptable in our society.

In Nigeria, single parenthood was formerly an anathema. Where it existed  at all, it was treated as an abnormal case.

However, nowadays, single parenthood  is fast becoming a norm.

Although there is no statistics on single parent in Nigeria, practical experience and newspaper reports show that there is an increase in the number of single parents in Nigeria.

Historically, the death of a partner was a major cause of single parenthood in Nigeria. But now, it is mostly due to divorce, early pregnancy, drug use, etc, which are now rampant in the society.

Sadly, children with a single parent are three times more likely to drop out of school than children living with both parents.

Life in a single-parent household can be quite stressful for the parent and children. Members of a single-parent family cannot function like those in a two-parent family and may not feel comfortable.

The parent may be overwhelmed by the responsibilities of caring for the children, maintaining a job and keeping up with the bills.

Single parenthood is problematic for children’s socialisation because  they receive less economic and moral support, less practical assistance, and less information, guidance and supervision than children living with both parents.

The family is the first socialising agent that a  child comes in contact with. It has a great influence on the child’s physical, mental and moral development.

Generally speaking, two good heads are better than one. Single parents (mostly mothers) should find a way to resolve their family issues and come back together for the future of the children.

Boluwatife Akintomide

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