SINGLE-PARENT FAMILIES CAN SUCCEED! CHAPTER NINE

ONE-PARENT families have been called  "the fastest growing family style"   in the United States. (it doesn't make it right or normal, normal is two parents, granted, if the spouse is cheating on you,then they are entitled to a divorce or if one spouse passes away.  Cheating is when one spouse is fornicating on  the other)  The situation is similar in many other lands.  A record number of divorces, desertions, separations, and illegitimate  births have had far-reaching consequences for millions of parents and children. 

"I am a 28-year-old widow with two children," wrote one single mother.  "I am very depressed for I don't want to raise my children without a father.  It seems like no one even cares about me.  My children see m cry often and it affects them."  Besides wrestling with such feelings as anger, guild, and loneliness, most single parents face the challenge of both holding a job outside the home and performing domestic duties.  One said: "Being a single parent is like being a juggler.  After six months of practice, you have finally been able to juggle four balls at once.  But just as soon as you are able to do that, somebody throws a new ball at you!"

Youngsters in single-parent families often have their own struggles.  They may have to contend  with intense emotions in the wake of a parent's abrupt  departure or death.  For many youths the absence of a parent seems to have a profoundly negative effect.

One-parent families existed in Bible times.  The Scriptures repeatedly mentioned the "fatherless boy" and the "widow." (Exodus 22:22; Deuteronomy 24:19-21; Job 31:16-22) Jehovah God was not indifferent to tier plight.   The psalmist called God "a father of fatherless boys and a judge of widows." (Psalm 68:5) Surely, Jehovah has the same concern for one-parent families today!   Indeed, his Word offers principles that can help them to succeed. 

Note: That does not mean for some people if they are tired of their spouses to go out and cheat on their husbands, just so they can get a  divorce. Jehovah does not accept that and believe me he will know and react.  It also doesn't mean that you should kill them to get rid of them. That is a real definite no-no, just saying. )

Next time: MASTERING THE HOUSEHOLD ROUTINE

From the book: THE SECRET OF FAMILY HAPPINESS, 1996