Single Parents Multiple Challenges - Children's Cooperation Essential

Children living in single-parent families also need to understand that their cooperation is essential to the success of the family.  (Ephesians 6:1-3) Their obedience  to parental authority show that they love their parent and respect  the added effort that the parent makes to provide a safe and happy household.  Since communication is a two-way street, children in a single parent family need to remember that they must be willing to support the parent's efforts to maintain good communication in the family. -Proverbs 1:8; 4:1-4. 

Such children are often required to assume responsibilities  quicker than those who live in two-parent households.  With loving and patient instruction, boys and girls will gain self-confidence and a sense of self-worth as they master life skills at an early age. Also, some chores may be delegated to children so they can assist in the orderly management of the household.

This does not mean that the objective of the single parent is to make her children into little, self-sufficient adults who have no need of parental direction. Certainly, it is most unwise to leave a young child alone or unsupervised.

Single parents are often mistakenly drawn into thinking that they must be buddies  or chums with their children. While a close relationship is necessary, single parents should keep in mind that children need a parent and that a child is not emotionally mature enough to be the parent's confidant or peer.  Your children need you to act like a parent.

Single  parents and children cooperating together in a loving relationship can contribute  to a successful family. As more and more children are being raised in single parent households, everyone should be award of the particular challenges facing single parents and their children and be willing to offer loving encouragement and support. 

Effects on Children

Single parents in general may have less time for each individual child than two parents would. Sometimes a single parent lives with a partner who is not his or her spouse.  However, cohabiting relationships are less stable  than marriages. Children living in  such families are more likely to grow up with a revolving set of adults in their lives.

According to some studies, "children from single-parent families are more likely to experience less healthy lives, on the average, than children from intact families."  However, closer analysis of such studies indicates that lack of income  may be "the single most important factor in accounting for the differences in children from various family  forms."  This, of course, does not mean  that children from a single-parent family are condemned to failure. With proper guidance and training, they can overcome negative effects. 

Next time: A Lone Parent, but not Alone

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