Out-of-wedlock births, matrimonial instability, and the death of a spouse are all on the rise in Africa, worsened by conflicts and the HIV/AIDS epidemic, resulting in a huge number of single-mother households. A report from the South African Institute of Race Relations revealed that “only 33 percent of children live with both parents. For those in single-parent homes, 39 percent live with their mother, while only four percent live with their father.” In this region, little is known regarding the impact of single-parent homes on child health and survival, as well as the specific variables that contribute to the discrepancies between single mother homes and two-parent families. This article discussed the link between single motherhood and child health, and other challenges experienced by single moms in South Africa.
Children are completely reliant on single parents until they marry and/or obtain employment. The absence of a partner in the life of a single mother has financial and social concerns for the family. The majority of single mothers express feelings of loneliness, helplessness, lack of identity, and low confidence. Take a look at the problems that single moms in the African area experience:
- Emotional Challenges:
After divorce or widowhood, single parents, particularly women, may experience a sense of hopelessness. This is particularly true for mothers whose identities were formerly linked to their spouses’. Feelings of insecurities, humiliation, bitterness, wrath and fear about the future are so prevalent in many single parents that they cause changes in personality. After the death of a spouse, widows feel catastrophic sorrow, misery, hopelessness, emotional imbalance, and short temper.
- Issues while fulfilling the needs:
The single mother’s bond with her kid suffers as a result of her inability to meet her child’s needs. Most single-parent households face financial difficulties on a regular basis. Paying the fundamental necessities of children, such as nutrition, clothes, and school fees, as well as preserving the prior level of life and meeting personal expenses, becomes challenging. This circumstance results in a sense of financial powerlessness. Following the loss of their spouse, single parents become the major wage earners. They are thus obliged to take up their spouse’s obligations, which can lead to sadness among single parents.
- Limited Income:
Single parenting, being jobless, being a young head of the family, and having a poor education are four occurrences that are frequently linked to poverty. Because such families are likely to earn less income than a two-parent home, they have a greater poverty rate. A single-mother home, for example, does not have the privilege of having both earning parents, reducing its income potential and ensuring that the house is unemployed anytime the mother is.
- Troubled Child Psychology:
According to a study, children raised without the security that a father provides are more prone to depression and other forms of mental pain. Girls who do not have their dads in their lives are more likely to have low self-esteem, which can lead to dangerous sexual conduct. Their chances of having children out of wedlock, marrying young, and getting separated rise as well. Boys who do not have their dads in their lives are more prone to be aggressive.
- Social issues:
The majority of a single mother’s social life is around interactions with other women. She will be unable to participate in many community social groups if she is financially disadvantaged. Because of lack of self-esteem, a loss of identity, and financial difficulties, most single moms do not join any social activities. These females are hesitant to establish new acquaintances, resulting in an absence of companionship.
How a single mother should face these challenges?
- Creating a supportive environment:
All single parents require assistance, whether it is somebody to watch the kids while the single parent works or just someone for emotional support when they are feeling anxious. Any assistance by friends and family members may help relieve the burden that comes with being a single parent. A single parent may attend a single-parent support group.
- Managing finances efficiently:
One of the most difficult things about being a single parent is raising a child on one income. As a result, it is critical to take efforts to adequately handle money, know about long-term investments, prepare for education and retirement, etc.
- Having a daily routine:
Single parents should aim to arrange food, bedtimes, and other family activities at consistent times so that their children know what to anticipate each day. A predictable schedule can make your children feel more comfortable while also making you feel more organized.
- Enjoying time with kids:
Even if the single parents have a lot of tasks, they should spend peaceful time playing, reading, simply listening to music, or simply going out for a walk with the kids.
- Honesty in responding to questions:
At some point, your youngster will inquire about one of the parents’ absences. Single parents must respond to the questions with maturity and in a genuine and honest way. It is vital for the single parent to ensure that the child gets the care and assistance they need while dealing with difficult emotions.
- Keeping a good attitude:
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all of the obligations and expectations that come with being a single parent. Despite these emotions, it is critical to retain a cheerful outlook, as kids are harmed by poorly regulated moods.
Single parenting is a serious issue in South Africa, and women need improved access to education, resources, and work opportunities to address the problem. Hence, the government is crafting policies to assist single parents. The National Development Plan lays out a strategy for investing in education, health care, housing, and social security, as well as initiatives targeted directly at women and children, such as a national nutrition program for pregnant women and a plan to increase female enrollment in schools, particularly in rural areas.
By Pawanbir
