Single Parenthood may occur because of separation of parents or annulment, either parent working far from home or abroad, desertion, having a child out of wedlock and death. Regardless of the circumstances of the family situation, single parents must face too many decisions that have to be made without the consultation of another parent, too many jobs to be done by one person…too many struggles, frustrations and disappointments doing the role and too little time spent for child-rearing since the single parent has to work harder or do double jobs to augment the family’s income.
Aside from financial struggle in the family, academic and behavioral problems may arise. Adolescent children of single parents exhibit a lower “academic self-concept” than with children with both biological parents. It is more difficult for children to concentrate in times of these family issues. Low grades may be a means of gaining attention or even expressing rebellion, and single parents find it hard to monitor the child’s homework, projects and other activities related to his/her performance in school.
Some teenagers exhibit behavioral problems in the wake of their parents’ separation and annulment. They will begin smoking and drinking. They may start missing school. Furthermore, they may have trouble getting along with others. They may become disrespectful to teachers and other authorities. Such behavior is often an expression of anger or confusion, a response to the emotional turmoil they feel – but cannot adequately express – because of their family situation.
Lucili B. Pis-an
High School Teacher, Philippines
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