The Pretty Lady
A person becomes a single parent through remaining single with children, divorce, separation or death. The details as to how a person arrives at single parenthood is unique as the individuals themselves.
I first met the Pretty Lady nearly three years after her divorce. She was raising her two children living in a modest home she purchased, working full time and attending classes. She was and continues to be a follower of Christ and we were attending the same church.
The icing on the cake was she was in her early thirties, mature and good lookin’. I was really impressed with her strength and independence – having a man was her choice and not a necessity. With so many admirable qualities I could help but fall in love.
The Numbers
As of 2009, the U.S. census bureau reported there were approximately 13.7 million single parents in the United States. These capable parents are raising over 21.8 million children. This figure represents 25% of all the children under 21 in the United States. This means 1 out of every 4 children are being raised in a single parent household.
Of these households, around 84% of them are headed up by a single mom and the remaining 16% are headed up by single dads. The majority of single parents started out in committed relationships and never expected to be single parents.
Single Moms Who are Custodial Parents
- 45% are divorced or separated
- 34% were never married
- 19% decide to be remarried
- 1.7% were widowed
- 39% are 40 years old or older
Single Dads Who are Custodial Parents
- 58% are divorced or separated
- 21% were never married
- 20% decide to be remarried
- Less than 1% were widowed
Employment
- 80% of custodial single mothers are gainfully employed
- 50% work full time, year round
- 30% work part-time or part of the year
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90% of custodial single fathers are gainfully employed
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71.7% work full time, year round
- 18,4% work part-time or part of the year
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Economics
- 22% of custodial single mothers and their children live in poverty
- 22% receive Medicaid
- 24 receive food stamps
- 12% receive some form of public housing or rent subsidy
- 5% receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
- 12.9% of custodial single fathers and their children live in poverty
Children
- 54% of custodial mothers are raising one child from the absent parent
- 46% have two or more children living with them
Take Aways
- The majority of single moms were once married; not victim of lack of adequate birth control
- The majority of single moms are able to support themselves and their children without government help
- The majority of single parents started out in committed relationships never expecting to be single parents.
While usually not by choice single dads and single moms are to be admired for their commitment to raise their children no matter what it takes. If you like this post please send it to your favorite social media using the buttons below. Thank you.
