Negative Effects of a Single-Parent Family

Due to an spike in the number of divorces in the last several decades, single-parenting has become widespread. Birth outside of marriages has also led to the hike in families with only one parent. This can have negative effects on everyone involved with a child. "The Telegraph" reported in 2010 that British research found children raised by only their mother were twice as likely to misbehave.

  1. Children

    • Children living in single-parent families are more likely to become teenage parents, criminals, smokers, drug users, alcohol drinkers and dropouts, according to the Institute for the Study of Civil Society. After the child has grown up, he will be at a higher risk of being unemployed, using social welfare, being homeless and psychologically challenged. They are also more likely to quickly move in with their partner and then leave. The children are more susceptible to emotional, physical and sexual abuse. Children's pent-up feelings can resurface when they are adults, according to The Child Advocate.

    Mothers

    • Mothers in single-parent families are often poorer then they would be if they were still married. The mother must find time for her children while securing an income. According to the Institute for the Study of Civil Society (ISCS), "Mothers are more likely to suffer from stress, depression and other emotional and psychological problems." This leads to health problems. The mothers may also have problems relating with their kids.

    Fathers

    • Fathers who don't live with their child are far more likely to lose contact. According to ISCS, this can cause the fathers to have health problems and participate in risky behaviors: divorced men have a 70 to 100 percent higher rate of death than men who are married. Many of the health problems are associated with excessive drinking, the ISCS website states. The U.S. Census Bureau stated that of the 12 million single-parent homes, 85 percent are parented by the mother. This means about 16 million children are living away from their fathers. According to Heart Choice, a relationship between a father and his child must be built through trial and error after a divorce settles down.

    Society

    • Single-parent families depend more on social programs to give them financial support, according to Pine Forge Press. Daycare becomes another need, especially because the mother must work long hours to pay for living expenses. Because the majority of single-parent families are headed by the mother, the requirement for income assistance is greater due to the fact that females generally earn less money than males, the Press adds.

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