The Single Parents & the Effects on Families

Regardless of the head of the household's good intentions, there is almost always a different dynamic with single parent families. The degree to which the children are affected varies and is dependent on a number of factors, such as financial difficulties, the quality of the relationship with the absent parent and how much time the residential parent spends with the family.

Finances

Regardless of how much a parent makes, the issue remains that one less income is supporting the household. Even if the single parent makes a decent living, the event of losing a job for whatever reason looms large, since there is no longer a backup option. As a general rule, one-parent families make less money, and the effects on the standard of living are felt across the board.

Behavior 

For children, both current and future behavior patterns have the potential to be greatly influenced.
For starters, delinquency tends to be higher in single mother households. Also, they tend to hastily enter marriages of their own that end in divorce. There are positive effects, however. For instance, the older a child is, the more obligated he will feel to be more responsible.

Influence

Even if the custody issues are fairly addressed, parenting in absentia is not the same as when both parents live in the same home. Only one parent is there for day-to-day guidance, comfort and discipline.
Over time, this can take its toll, given that the single parent is not going to be able to be present all of the time. If the parents are not on good terms, then there's the added issue of one trying to undermine the other's credibility thanks to conflict and indignation.

Strain 

A single parent takes sole responsibility for a job that ideally takes two. Regardless of income from child support, more hours at work are often required to make ends meet. This presents a situation where you are not around as much at a time when the children need you the most. In a sense, you are working twice as hard for potentially poorer results. The increased strain can also affect your ability as a parent due to fatigue and irritability.