Single parent struggles…how is that defined exactly? Is the problem worse in San Diego than other cities? The San Diego Union Tribune recently ran a story with Nathan Fletcher who is running for San Diego Mayor. He touched a little bit on kids in San Diego, “…There’s no guarantee that you get an equally easy path. So if both of your parents went to college, it’s easier for you than a kid that has a single mom who struggles financially, who’s in a poor community.” Mr. Fletcher went on to talk about everyone having access to the “American Dream” but do children of single parents truly have that access and what kinds of struggles do single parents have?
Sometimes a single parent is a mom or dad or grandmother raising the child or children alone, without a partner. But does that mean that kids turn our worse or that those parents face insurmountable challenges? The answer to both questions is not a simple yes or no.
After researching on the topic of the greatest needs of single parents, I found several articles/comments with negative connotations. I thought I would find a multitude of positive stories. Although both moms and dads are raising kids alone, there still must be some positive stories out there.
The greatest gift any parent can give a child is quality time and love. For those kids who are missing either a male or female influence, the single parent should strive to find a mentor for their kids. For parents, a support group with other single parents and “adult” time is very critical to keep a healthy balance.
Does the current economic environment make it more difficult to be a single parent? With the recent debt ceiling crisis and now the S&P downgrade of United States credit, it’s hard to asses. In some homes, there are two parents who are both out of work. Either way, I know there are single moms and dads out there with positive stories. Being a single parent does not mean being on welfare or food stamps. However, I would like to poll my readers:
Do you know any single parents with positive stories? If so, please share in the comments section below.
A conversation with Nathan Fletcher
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