SINGLE PARENT FAMILIES CAN SUCCEED/Single-Parent Families on the Rise

The New Single Mother

Today's single mother does not necessarily fit the old stereotype of an unwed teen living on welfare.  Unwed motherhood has lost must of its stigma and has even been glamorized by celebrity role models.  In addition, many women are better education and better able to support themselves-so marriage is no longer  a financial prerequisite to motherhood.   

Some single mothers, especially adult children of divorced parents, remain single because they do not want to make their offspring suffer the pain of watching a parent leave. Other women become single mothers as a result of abandonment, not by choice.   "Lone parenthood is not generally a selfish and willful choice," states the Joseph Rowntree Foundation of Britain, "and children in lone-parent  families are not neglected and undisciplined."  (Then someone is not paying attention. Something or someone is going to suffer, they just don't want to see it.) 

Still, the prevalence of single-parent families is a matter of concern because single parents and their children may suffer emotional stress, economic need, and social disadvantages.   Some people may wonder if it is possible for one parent to raise children successfully.  (In my opinion, no)  What are some of the special challenges facing single-parent families?  How can a Christian successfully meet the challenge of raising children as a single parent? 

Next time: SINGLE PARENT FAMILIES CAN SUCCEED -Single Parents, Multiple Challenges/Unique Challenges of Divorced Parents 

From the Awake! magazine