Skip to main content Psychology Today Find a Therapist Get Help Magazine Today US Search Find a Therapist (City or Zip) Verified by Psychology Today The Single-Parent Family Reviewed by Psychology Today Staff A single parent is someone who is unmarried, widowed, or divorced and not remarried. The single-parent household can be headed by a mother, a father, a grandparent, an uncle, or aunt. According to the Pew Research Center, between 25 to 30 percent of children under age 18 in the U.S. live in a single-parent household. The U.S. Census reports that roughly 22 million children live with a single parent. And three times as many women, when compared with men, head these households. On This Page The Well-Being of Children in a Single-Parent Household The Challenges of Single-Parent Families Raising Kids as a Single Parent The Well-Being of Children in a Single-Parent Household Single parents should be reassured by the fact that a large number of studies find no differences between the children of single mothers and children from other types of households. One study looked into the lives of children from different kinds of households—two-parent biological, adoptive, step-father, step-mother, single-parent—and the type of household did not matter. Children’s grades, and their relationships with their siblings and their friends, were about the same across all households. In a survey of adolescents living in nine types of households, those who lived with parents who had always been single and who were being raised in multi-generational households reported the highest sense of well-being of all those surveyed. Can children of single parents fare just as well as children of married couples? In studies as well as many reports from children themselves, children are better off raised by a single parent as opposed to living with married parents who engage in constant conflict. Children raised by one divorced parent sometimes have better outcomes than children raised by a parent who is remarried. It is impossible to predict a child's outcome based on this one factor alone. Are there positives for children raised by a single parent? Yes. Every situation involves trade-offs, and they often go unrecognized at the time. In a common refrain, the grown child of a single, working mom reported that he was glad that his mom was busy all the time. His friends, by contrast, had moms who stayed at home. These parents were hyper-involved in their lives, including their schoolwork and schedules. This overbearing participation produced problems between parent and child. Can a single parent become too close to their child? Are children of single parents at risk for substance abuse? Are children of single parents at risk for other serious problems? The Challenges of Single-Parent Families Children need a safe and reliable household to flourish. Of course, it is much harder for single-parents who live with financial hardship. The Bureau of Labor Statistics

2. PROGRAM
WRITER: ANH NGUYEN
MANUFACTURER: CHAU LE
DIRECTOR: HA BA NHU
MC: THU TRANG

3. Program "Journey Full Of Emotional
: Single Parents"
Singer, Actress
NGUYEN MINH
NGOC
NGUYEN THI HONG
NGOC
NGUYEN THI THU
TRANG
Doctor,
Psychologist
MC

5. 2.1. Definition
Single-parent family is a family structure where there is only one parent,
usually a single mother or father, responsible for the care and upbringing of
children without the presence of both parents. Typically, single-parent
families may stem from reasons such as divorce, loss, or abandonment, or
may result from the voluntary decision of a mother or father to raise
children alone. Single-parent families face many challenges in balancing
work and family responsibilities.

6. In Vietnam, it is estimated that
unmarried make up about 2.5% of the
population, with the majority being
women, accounting for 87.6% of the
total single individuals

7. 2.3. Reason

8. 2.3.1. Objective reason
The change of the family is inherently associated with the macro change of society. Over time,
the new society will always develop and progress more than the old one. As a result, family
relationships will become more equal and democratic. Women will be educated, have the right to
express their values, their rights, and have the ability to earn money like men, so they will
increasingly have a voice in the family. Besides, patriarchal ideas gradually ceased to exist,
instead of equality and democracy in the family

9. 2.3.2. Actively become single parents
Nowadays, the concept of sexuality is becoming more
open, personal freedom is respected, especially women's rights
are valued, so individuals deciding to become single mothers
for whatever reason are accepted by society to a certain
extent. Many countries have accepted the single-mother
model as a family form, with many supportive views and
assistance. This ideology has strongly influenced the youth in
Vietnam through cultural exchange and information flow,
leading many young people to actively choose to become
single mothers…
Besides, the strong development of the economy is also
one of the reasons leading to the trend of single motherhood
among young people in Vietnam today
Personal emotional life is not smooth, it can also be
considered a factor leading to the trend of single motherhood
among young people in Vietnam

10. 2.3.3 Passively become single
In a family with only a single mother, many women
become single mothers passively. Many young people
become single mothers due to premarital relationships but
lack knowledge of safe sex or have unhealthy personal lives,
leading to unintended pregnancies and accepting single
motherhood passively.
The most obvious case of passive single parenthood is
women whose husbands have passed away, becoming
widows and raising children alone.
In family groups with only father and child, most are
men who are forced to endure singlehood due to
circumstances (divorce or wife's death).

12. Single parents often face financial obstacles
that can make it difficult to provide for their
families and build a stable future
And financial strain often forces single
parents to make difficult choices between
necessities. They may have to forget healthy
meals, skip doctor appointments, or choose
between paying rent and utilities
2.4.1. Financial challenges

13. Single mothers may face
criticism for having to
fulfill both roles, while
single fathers may
struggle to be seen as
capable caregivers
Besides, some cultures or
religions may have bad
opinions about sile
parenthood, particularly
single motherhood through
divorce or out-of-wedlock
births
2.4.2. Social stigma

14. By the time they get home, they may be too
physically and mentally exhausted for quality
interactions. This can make their children feel
uncaring and lost
2.4.3. Difficulty spending quality
time with children, themselves
Every minute seems dedicated to children’s needs
and works and by the end of the day, single parents
may have nothing left in the tank for themselves

15. It is the responsibility of the single parent to be
the rock for their children, offering comfort,
understanding and stability
2.5.1. Responsibilities of single-
parent toward children

16. They demonstrate the importance of taking care of
oneself, both physically and emotionally. This sets a
foundation for the children to develop healthy
habits and self-care routines as they grow older
2.5.2. Responsibilities of single-
parent towrad themselves
This self-care is not an act of selfishness but a
crucial aspect of providing the best care for
their children

17. 2.6. Solutions

18. • The state has set laws prohibiting child marriage
• Raise community awareness, educate children about sexuality and protection
measures from an early age while still in school
• Promote and encourage everyone to take marriage, children, and family
seriously.
2.6.1 How to minimize negative single-parent family issues

19. 2.6.2 Learn how to balance
•
•
•
•
•
•

20. Almost all single parents forget that if they are safe and healthy, they
can protect and take good care of those around them. You cannot
become the best parent when you are not yet complete. Learn to
balance time with your child and time for yourself.
2.6.2.3. Balance time for children and yourself.

21. 2.6.3. Social
support policies
Additionally, social support networks,
including family, friends, and the wider
community, play a vital role in supporting
single parents. Moreover, government policies
providing financial support, such as reducing
school fees for children from single-parent
families, can help alleviate financial burdens
and ensure that single parents have the
necessary resources for themselves and their
children.

23. Wait for the next episode of the program at 8.00 p.m on VTV3
chanel.
Thank you