#6 Single Parent
What?
Key issues visualized by region
Children living in family households that are headed by an unmarried parent.
Single parent can be a risk factor. A higher percentage is less desirable.
Data Source: Policy Map. (2017-2021). Children living in family households headed by a single parent. [Data warehouse]
So What?
Explanation of the issue
Parents raise their children alone for various reasons. Some divorce or separate, while others have unplanned pregnancies. Some people choose to become single parents through adoption or assisted reproduction.
While many children growing up in single-parent households are healthy, happy, and successful later in life, it is associated with negative effects on others.
Single-parent families often have money problems compared to two-parent households. Single parents often work at low-paying jobs with schedules that change a lot, which can make it hard to support their family.
Single parents juggle work and taking care of their children. This often leaves them limited time to assist their children with schoolwork. Sometimes, children from single-parent families have to work to help support their family, which takes away time from their schoolwork.
Divorce is a common reason for single parenting. Parental conflict, during and after divorce, can have negative effects on a child’s emotional well-being.
Children of single parents might face other challenges like moving a lot or having their parent get remarried. These changes can make it hard for them to feel stable and safe because children tend to prefer consistency.
Studies show that it’s not just having one parent that affects a child but also the external factors associated with being raised by a single parent. Things like having a stable home, positive relationships, enough money, and parents who are emotionally resilient are important for any child to grow up healthy and happy.
Types of Health Outcomes & Behaviors Associated with This Condition
The four Health Outcomes and Behaviors domains are (1) Smoking, Drugs, and Alcohol, (2) Safety, (3) Physical and Mental Health, and (4) Pregnancy and Birth Outcomes. Click to see a list of the conditions associated with each domain.
Now What?
Strategies in which either policy, investments, or interventions can impact the issue
These were chosen with an emphasis on the physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being of children from infancy through adolescence. This focus was selected to streamline and narrow the range of strategies. When you click on the links, you’ll be redirected to a third-party site.
