How can we as a society help single parents?

Question

Raise responsible, well adjusted, well cared for children, who will contribute positively to society. I mean other than government programs. How can we become personnally involved to assist these parents.

Answer 1

I remember my father telling me about the old days when your neighbors would give you a spanking for acting up, while I don't condone all out beatings, it showed concern for a neighborhood child's welfare. As a society we need to look out for one anothers children again and get to be a true neighborhood.

Answer 2

It's real easy for some people to make comments about the need to have fewer single parents... staying together for the kids sake, etc. Until you've walked in the shoes of those who have become single parents, some by choice, others by unavoidable tragedy, then you have no idea what you're talking about. Regardless of the reason, you will never understand the difficulty that single parents face. They try to be both mom and dad to their kids in a lot of cases, especially when the absent parent chooses not to be a part of their own child's life, or when tragedy has robbed a child of one of their parents. They hold down full time jobs, handle school issues, keep their child involved in extracurricular activities when possible, handle emergencies and sickness, and these are just a few of the basics that they have to deal with... and they do this by themselves. They don't have the luxury of having a helpmate to depend on to share the daily responsibilities of trying to raise kids who are responsible, well adjusted and well cared for, and who will be a positive contribution to our society. Single parents do their best, but they can't be in numerous places at one time, and sometimes their children are left alone at earlier ages than they should be and do not get the love, care, attention, positive reenforcement, discipline, etc. that they need. These children need positive influence in their lives, and there are many times that they don't get that, but it's not because their single parent made a choice for it to be that way. Children of single parents are often ridiculed and tormented by their classmates at school, and even by some of their teachers and other adults (who SHOULD know better). If people would stop and realize that these children did not ask to be put in that position, and they can't do anything about their situation as a child, and stop criticizing not only the parents, but also the innocent children, then this society might be able to make a difference. Thank you for being concerned enough to ask the question. I only wish that more people cared enough to want to help.

Answer 3

Barry,

I don't agree that the Federal Government is the answer. The only thing that the Federal Government demonstrates any level of competency is to build war machinery. Government assistance has to many strings attached and simply is no real help to people to better compete in society. As a single parent, the greatest help society can facilitate is to better support and empower the teaching profession. They get the brunt end of everything that is wrong, when the system that they work in is flawed. Teachers need more incentive to be better at their craft, they need advocacy at the highest levels of government to make their jobs simple and easier to educate the nation's children. They need to be better protected as leaders in their classroom, they are unable to discipline children. I grew up in the Catholic School system with Priests and Nuns teaching the class. IN an age of Corporal punishment, we also had to say the Pledge of Allegiance, the Our Father and Hail Mary Prayer every morning. It made me a better person and then a better student. Discipline is what is lacking in the institutions we depend on for support. Schools, Church and the Home are the Triad of instilling the core values of being the best person in the worst of times. The School Funding Formula has been ruled unconstitutional by the US Supreme Court and the Legislatures refuse to provide remedy in the direction of the Court. This type of effort versus results would be immediately impactful. I sure hope you can do something about it.

Answer 4

You can try running a free daycare center, or, if you're in the healthcare industry, a free clinic. As for raising responsible, well adjusted children, that's not your responsibility, nor should it be. It is not the job of society to raise children; that is the job of the parents, for better or worse.

Answer 5

The most important issue with single parents is the welfare of the children-what will happen to them? To go the extra mile and help single parents out personally would be to offer daycare, food and clothing collections, and private tutoring for the children. The important contribution to a child's life is the education they get. Outside of government programs, we can help them make sure there education is a priority and help them achieve it as well.

Answer 6

befriend them is the most important thing - take the time to be part of their lives - when you build and deserve their trust - offer to do things with the children - invite them over for holidays - get the mother a mothers day card - complement them whenever possible.

make them part of your community.

their job is absolutely over whelming - i think there are just as many single parents as married and yet they are treated with pity with scraps thrown at them - take the time to include them in your life - they are people doing the most important job their is - raising children - our future.

the biggest breakdown is not their marriage but the community that sees them as different and treats them like objects - they are people like you and i doing a big big big job for little or no money.

Answer 7

Why can't you take action on your own without society's support? It seems to me you could reach out locally one on one to assist those in need. Try a local church if you can't think of anything. There is no need to place an obligation on society in order for you to do something... just go do it!

Answer 8

I'm a single parent, and the biggest thing I need sometimes is just a 'break' every now and then.

Government handout programs will only lead to dependence and a victim or entitlement mentality for the children. If the child sees their parent as honest, hardworking and learns good lessons from their example, then they should do all right. Of course, a lot is still left up to free will and individual choice.

Answer 9

Sorry but universal healthcare. Single mothers don't have much opportunity to escape the welfare net. I know a lot of people on here seem to think that they want to be on welfare when a lot of them would rather work and support themselves and their children, and not have to depend on loser/abusive boyfriends or husbands to support them. Single mothers often work in low paying service jobs that don't provide health benefits and they are the ones who need them, since stress is a huge factor in many illnesses. If they are unable to care for themselves by buying healthy food and the medication they require, as well as counseling/parenting classes, then forget the chance of raising responsible, well adjusted well cared for children. Aid to families with dependent children only lasts so long, then they are kicked off. Not very helpful or supportive, don't you think?

Great question, btw

Answer 10

Teach them how to use condoms?

Sorry, I'm in a sarcastic mood today. I guess you could encourage mentorship (ie. Big Brother/Big Sister) programs for the parents' kids.