Single Mothers Research Paper

The percentage of children living in single parent families* nearly doubled between 1970 and 1995, in which 86 percent live with their mothers (U.S Bureau of the Census, 1996 cited in Sayad, Strong, & Vault, 1998, p.533). This increasing number of single mothers has led to a controversy in the way children are reared. Some regard these "broken homes" cause a number of badly brought up children. However I personally think that single mothers can raise good kids by using good parenting skills and closer relationship with their children.
To begin with, single mothers often have suitable parenting skills. An upward trend has been witnessed among educated and professional women who are choosing to become mothers (Zanden, 1996). Thus, in general
they can obtain better knowledge in bringing up children and also be highly aware of their children's academic background. Moreover, as single mothers, they have ability to assume the roles and attributes of the absent parent (Richard & Schmeige, 1993 cited in Sayad, Strong, & Vault, 1998, pp.533). In other words, they have the strength of fatherhood and the sensitiveness of motherhood. Therefore, they adopt an authoritative, consistent and nonpunitive discipline that respects and helps children develop autonomy (Olsen & Haynes, 1993 cited in Sayad, Strong, & Vault, 1998, p.532). Obviously, with such positive parenting techniques, children are brought up properly.
In addition, a good characteristic identified in a mother – headed family is tight parent – child relationships.
Some studies emphasize that single mothers are closer and more responsive to their children (Sayad, Strong, & Vault, 1998). Due to the fathers' permanent absence, they will sacrifice all their efforts for the sake of children. In return, children in sole–mother settings appear to be more considerate and sensitive. Recognizing their mothers' attempt and the importance of cooperation, children often learn more responsibilities and show high levels of maturity as well as self – sufficiency (Diana, 1998; Sayad, Strong, & Vault, 1998). Clearly, there are a strong emotional tie and mutual understanding within family members and children in single mother households, therefore, can be educated
easily.
A common objection to this position is that poverty and single motherhood usually go hand in hand (Zanden, 1996).
Consequently, children are hardly provided with good living conditions. It may be true to some extents. However, in fact, lone–mother families still get assistance from a variety of sources. Some can receive child support or alimony from children's fathers. Additionally, they are offered a broad ranges of benefits and subsidies from many charity programs and non–profit organizations such as National council for One Parent Family, Magic Million Appeal or Child Support Agency, and so on. Furthermore, these mothers not only rely on assistance sources they are also more and more financially independent. Statistics show that the percentage of women in labor force is nearly approaching that of men. They even become good self-supporters with more well-paid jobs opportunities (Appelbaum & Chambliss, 1997; Macionis, 1998; Sayad, Strong, & Vault, 1998). Briefly, single mothers can make ends meet and assure good living conditions for children thanks to their own earnings and other financial
supports.
Opponents also asserted that badly behaved children are unavoidable consequences of single mother families due to weak parental supervision. This point has some merit on the surface. The number of children in sole mother families involving in bad activities cannot be denied. Yet, according to Professor Mc Donald of Demographer Australian National University, they present a very small proportion, about 1 percent (Donald, 2004 cited in Helen, 2004). Besides, if poor supervision spoiled kids, this style of bad parenting is not limited in one parent families. Actually, supposed that two parents in other households are always busy or adopt unsuitable discipline, their children are also in danger of becoming bad citizens. Therefore, whether kids become good or not, depends on parenting, not what kind of parent they live with. To sum up, single mothers cannot be scapegoats for rising juvenile delinquency and "…linking single parenthood with all society's ills is absurd…" (Bridget, 1994 cited in Shepherd & White, 2001, p.291).
In conclusion, there is no overwhelming evidence that single mothers cannot bring up their children well. In contrast, thanks to good parenting skills and closer relationships their children are raised properly. In this regard, their children still grow up well and "…often become source of strength rather than difficulty… ". (Jean, 1982 cited in Sayad, Strong, & Vault, 1998, p.533).
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