Guide for Single Parents
The number of single-parent families is increasing. Some families consist of
only one parent from the beginning. Other single-parent families may result
from divorce, separation, or the death of one of the partners. At present, it is
estimated that one in three American families are single parent families. (In
Great Britain, the rate is approximately one in four; in Australia, one in six.) In
about 90 percent of these cases, the father is the absent parent.
It is difficult for the single parent to play the role of both parents.
One way to help compensate for the missing parent is to make opportunities
for the child to associate with others: visit parks and play¬grounds and attend
parties and other social events. Visiting with friends and their families will also
help a child adjust to having one parent. If children are socially active and do
things together with their parents, they will be happier and adjust more
smoothly.