Resources
- The Changing Profile of Unmarried Parents: Pew Research CenterA growing share are living with a partner.
- Single parent? Go from surviving to thrivingSeveral strategies have been shown to improve outcomes for single-parent families.
- Single Parenting and Today's Family: American Psychological AssociationLife in a single parent household—though common—can be quite stressful for the adult and the children.
- Solo Parent SocietyWe help single parents raise healthy kids.
- U.S. has world’s highest rate of children living in single-parent householdsFor decades, the share of U.S. children living with a single parent has been rising, accompanied by a decline in marriage rates and a rise in births outside of marriage. A new Pew Research Center study of 130 countries and territories shows that the U.S. has the world’s highest rate of children living in single-parent households.
Research & Reference
- Number of children living with a single mother or a single father in the U.S. from 1970 to 2020In 2020, there were about 15.31 million children living with a single mother in the United States, and about 3.27 million children living with a single father. The number of children living with a single mother is down from its peak in 2012, and the number of children living with a single father is down from its peak in 2005.
- Single Parenthood: Credo ReferenceA Credo Reference landing page on single parenthood. This page includes links to reference works, journal articles, and a mind map.
- Single Parents in the U.S.This Statista dossier presents data on single parents in the United States. It provides, among other information, figures and statistics on single mothers and fathers, on divorce rates, as well as on child support.
The U.S. Has the Highest Share of Single Parenting
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Perspectives
Raising Boys Without Men
Raising thriving, emotionally healthy sons does not require a man around the house! That's the conclusion of a groundbreaking research study that will open eyes, stir debate, and reassure nearly 10 million single mothers. As the number of single-mom and two-mom households has grown, so have concerns about the possible damage to boys caused by the lack of a male role model in the house. Peggy F. Drexler, Ph.D., listened to all the dire warnings; but her training as a research psychologist told her she had to see the evidence. So she embarked on a long-term study comparing boys raised in female-headed families with those whose fathers were present throughout their childhood. What Dr. Drexler discovered is as heartening as it is startling: o Female-headed households may be even better parents for boys than households with men o Sons from these families are growing up emotionally stronger, more empathetic, and more well-rounded than boys from "traditional" mother-father families o While more in touch with their feelings, these boys remain boyish and masculine in all the ways defined by our culture Raising Boys Without Men offers an inclusive vision of what family can mean and a blueprint for raising happier, healthier sons.
The Divorced Child
Divorce is a reality of today's family life, but clinical research has shown that it is possible to mitigate its negative effects on children. Dr. Joseph Nowinski, a family therapist with over 20 years of experience treating families, argues that there is a three-year window in which to acclimate children to the change in family life. Combining case studies with new research, Dr. Nowinski gives parents the information and the tools to work through the transition. Written in a warm and authoritative tone, Nowinski will teach parents to: · Focus on your child's new day-to-day reality · Identify early signs of trouble · Help your child through the separation process and help them develop coping skills that will remain with them through life
Single Mothers Struggling in the U.S.
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