For some, a family must be made up of couples: husband and wife, or mother and father; However, one of the most striking changes in family structure over the past twenty years has been the rise of single-parent families. Over the years, high divorce rates and adults choosing not to marry have become the fastest growing family form in North America. In today's society it is estimated that more than half of all children in North America will live in single-parent families (Ward, Belanger, 2011). Currently, these single-parent families are headed 88% by women and 12% by men (Ward, Belanger, 2011). There is particular concern about the “epidemic” of teenage mothers, due to the high likelihood that they are living on welfare and that their children are facing problems that others do not face, such as; possible abuse and children becoming problematic. Subsequently, single fathering is more common due to the increase in divorce and custody being granted to fathers. These men tend to spend less time caring for young children than mothers, but they face many more similarities than differences. Overall, both the single father and the teenage mother will face financial problems after separation or divorce. In today's society, families are expected to live in a traditional family style. Except the single-parent family, however, is becoming more and more common over time. This essay will examine the quality of life of single parents; its effects on children and the categorized groups known as both "The Teen Mother" and "The Single Father". While some may say that this type of family is a bonding experience, it is nevertheless inadequate for both the parent and the children. "Being a single parent might feel like a mouse running in a wheel, where it runs continuously.... .. middle of paper ...... experiences conflict between culture and the needs of your children (Ward, Belanger, 2011).It is, however, unfortunate that single mothers suffer from higher levels of psychological distress than married mothers (Paynter, 2004). do not have great financial difficulties, they spend less time caring for their children than mothers. Therefore both single father and teenage mother have a negative impact and influence on their child. Although children from single-parent families are stereotyped as those who are more likely to become emotionally disturbed or delinquent, this is not always the case (Ambert, 2006). These emotions are much more complex than this. Overall, quality of life differs based on economic, housing, and social circumstances.
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