Today about twenty-two million children in America are raised by only one of their biological parents (Moos). Separation and divorce are the most common reasons that some children only have one parent in their lives, but it is crucial to the child’s well-being to have both. Parents should share responsibilities because both mothers and fathers play an important role in the child’s development and this can determine the child’s character for the rest of their life.
Single parenting is a difficult task for everyone involved and can affect the child in major ways. In most cases, it is extremely important for a child to have both a mother and father figure in their lives. The child’s life will be more structured and studies have shown that children are generally happier in a home where both of their parents play equal roles in their lives. The task of parenting is also easier when there are two people on the same page and working together. In a situation where only one parent is raising a child, everyone suffers. The child may feel like their mother or father doesn’t love them or care enough about them to be involved in their lives. The single parent raising the child may also feel the same way. Single parenting adds stress and emotional damage to the single parent. The child is also emotionally damaged by the absence of their mother or father, which may lead to bigger problems later in life. The absent parent may feel the guilt or embarrassment for leaving the family. Having a spouse or someone there to help with the finances of raising children can help with the stress and also can prevent problems in the future. Having two parents in a home makes a child’s life more stable and more enjoyable. Studies have shown that children raised in homes with two parents live a happier life (Koon). Raising a child with both parents makes the lives of both the parents and the children more enjoyable and eliminates the stress of single parenting.
There are many different reasons why a parent would need to raise their children alone. It could be due to an unplanned pregnancy that harmed the parent’s relationship. It may be because the parents divorced and the child chose one parent to live with. In unfortunate circumstances it may be the result of the death of one parent. It could also be the result of one parent being in jail or not allowed visitation rights because of previous actions. Another reason that it would be beneficial to the child to be raised by only one parent is if the other is abusive. The effect of being raised by an abusive parent is much more harmful than being raised by a single parent. When the child’s life is in danger, it is better to be raised by the more stable parent alone rather than by both parents. In the beginning, the child may not see that their other parent is a danger to them. They may believe it is not fair that they are being taken away from their mother or father. Even though they may not like the decision when young, it is the best decision in the long run. The child’s well-being should always be the top priority when parenting.
There are simple solutions to most of these problems. If a couple has a baby at a young age, sometimes it is almost impossible to raise that child, due to the stress of low income because they dropped out of school. Putting the child up for adoption could be a solution to this problem. Even though adoption may not be ideal, it may be the best option for the child. This is a great way to provide the child with a safe and comfortable home that the natural parents could not provide. If a mother and father split up, or one passes away, the other parent doesn’t have to raise the child all by themselves. Often times relatives of the family or possibly remarriage can provide the missing mother or father figure that the child is missing.
Although raising a child alone is extremely difficult, sometimes remarriage is not the best option for the child’s well-being either. Having the single parent remarry and bring a step parent into their children’s lives can cause a number of problems. Children sometimes feel threatened by strangers being brought into their homes, especially if their mom or dads new partner also has children of their own. They may feel like their mom or dad is trying to replace the other spouse with a new man or woman. Even though most of the time this isn’t the case, young children do not understand what is truly happening.
Both parents should assume equal responsibility when raising their children because both mothers and fathers play an important role in the child’s life; and it can determine how the child will be for the rest of their life. In most circumstances it is important for parents to be equally responsible for their child. Whether it be a biological parent or someone who is stepping in as a father or mother figure, it is better for both the children and parent when equal responsibility is assumed.
Works Cited
Koon, Samantha. Children of Single Parents More At Risk. The Daily Progress. Daily Progress, 11 Aug 2012. Web. 11 Nov. 2012.
Moos, Julie. What Do We Really Know About Why Children Need Two Parents?. Politics Daily, n.d. Web. 11 Nov. 2012
Cited: Koon, Samantha. Children of Single Parents More At Risk. The Daily Progress. Daily Progress, 11 Aug 2012. Web. 11 Nov. 2012. Moos, Julie. What Do We Really Know About Why Children Need Two Parents?. Politics Daily, n.d. Web. 11 Nov. 2012
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