Child Development is highly dependent on the environment created through the conscious efforts of parents. Growing up as a child has its ups and downs and dual parenting is often the best for kids' upbringing. As the common saying goes "two heads work better than one". Unfortunately, not all kids grow up with both parents. Single parenting takes its toll on the parent as well as the children involved. 

Single parents are saddled with the sole responsibility of helping kids in maintaining positive mental health for good child development. This is quite demanding but with the right knowledge, you'll do just great.

What is single parenting?

Single parenting as a term is defined as a single person who is saddled with the responsibility of taking care of one's child alone. A single parent does not receive help from a partner or spouse. 

In our world today, single parenting is now common because of divorce unlike in ancient times. Back in the day single parenting was mainly due to high mortality rates either because of diseases, rape, accidents, and so on. Although there was divorce it was not as rampant as it is today.

Effects of single parenting on child development 

How does being a single parent affect the development of your kid? Single parenting may have positive or negative effects on the development of one's child. Although single parenting has its downsides, your child may turn out better and stronger than you expect.

Positive Effects of single parenting on children 

• Strong support systems: Children raised by single parents, tend to receive love from extended family members and friends. They build stronger relationships with people and get to have those who believe in them.

• Build strong bonds with parents: Single parents tend to give their kids undivided attention and love. These bonds are unique and also hardly found in a dual parenting setting.

• They tend to be responsible: Kids raised by single parents tend to be good managers. This is because most of them grew up managing their homes at such a young age. This creates a sense of responsibility in their minds. They tend to make real contributions to the growth of the home.

• They are mature in making decisions, handling emotions and relationships 

Negative Effects of single parenting on children 

Some people wonder why it's so hard to be a single mum or dad. Yeah, it could be hard sometimes having to manage it all by yourself. No emotional, moral or financial support. It's detrimental to both the parent and child involved. It has its downside

This includes

• Effects on academics and cognitive performance. Most kids raised by single parents can't afford the luxury of a good education. Also, some single parents could not finish their education. This limits them as they can't offer help adequately to their kids.

• Effect on finances. Single parenting is quite demanding in terms of finances. Since most of these individuals didn't get a good education, it's difficult to get high-paying jobs. So funding homes is difficult as parents may work multiple jobs to earn a living.

• Less time for bonding: Due to the high demands of taking care of the home, a single parent may not have time for kids. They may end up spending less time and form deficient bonds with kids.

• Over-attachment to kids: This happens because single parents tend to give out all their emotions to their kids. They become attached to them. It can cause a mental condition for parents.

• Low self-esteem: During interactions with other people, children may feel inferior because of their parent's status. They may be mocked or looked down on either in school or in their communities. 

Cause of single parenting

A lot of factors contribute to single parenting. They include 

Divorce is one of the dominating factors of single parenting. The case of divorce also comes with child custody agreements.

Death: Demise or loss of one's spouse and partner may lead to single parenting. This is prevalent if the individual refuses to remarry.

Rape: This crime may lead to the unplanned birth of a child. Due to trauma and mental setbacks, the individual may decide to raise the child on her own.

Unwanted or unintended pregnancies and abandonment: Unprotected sex and given rise to many single mothers. It is so bad presently that, even underaged girls fall prey to this.

Single parenthood by choice: Some women may not want the hassle of being married. This is common with feminists. They may just get pregnant and choose to raise the child alone.

Single parenting by adoption: Some individuals become parents by legally taking in a child and taking care of him or her.

Benefits or Entitlements of Single Parents

There are some benefits and entitlements of being single parents

1. Financial support. This may be from the government or none governmental organizations.

2. Free health care benefits

3. Maternity and paternity leaves

4. Reduction in income tax

5. Pension