In the past, single parents were looked upon with pity and shame. Before divorce was so common, it was viewed as highly unfortunate, and single parenting was regarded as sad. Though divorce is never a happy occasion, the circumstances surrounding single parenting today are much more varied and much less grim. Many single mothers and fathers are raising children alone by choice and happy to be doing it.
Single Parenting in the Black Community
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The African American community is one that has been dealing with single-parent households for many generations. In the past, single mothers raising black children have had to do so for numerous reasons, even outside of divorce. The statistics involving black males and early death (by violent crime or otherwise) was one factor. Incarceration rates among black males of child-rearing age were also responsible for the fact that most black single parents were women in the past.
The landscape of single parenting in the African-American community, as in other races has changed considerably over the last couple of decades. Single fathers are increasingly taking on the responsibility for raising children. Also, single mothers and single fathers are sharing responsibility of all aspects of child rearing.
Also, the circumstances surrounding single parenting have changed considerably, broadening the range of reasons it happens in the first place. More and more people are having children out of wedlock, simply for the objective of having children. Though these choices are still considered to be unconventional, they are more widely accepted today than they ever were before.
Issues and Concerns
For mothers raising black children alone, there are several factors that must be taken into consideration. One of the factors is finances. If a single mother is also the single financial provider, she is often working full time, and may even work more than one job. In this case, adequate childcare must be arranged. For school-aged children, the cost of before and after school care can be easier for single parents to afford. If the child or children are too young for school, then the single parent must be able to afford full-time child care or at least be able to rely on the help of a grandparent or other relative that can help care for the children while the parent is out earning a living for the family.
Another consideration of black single parents is access to suitable male role models. Single mothers raising black children have traditionally struggled with this, as there isn't always a black male in the family that children can look to as a role model. Fortunately, there are more and more African-American "heroes" either in leadership positions, in the media, or in the community. Big brother and big sister programs offer access to role model material that black children can relate to and spend time with. Many of the organizations that provide matching services for children and "role models" promote healthy, long-term relationships that make all the difference in the lives of children being raised by black single parents.