The number of single parent households (the majority of which does not include the fathers) continues to increase. The two-parent families as we once knew them seem to be dwindling, especially among the poor and middle class. And while the mothers have always been considered as the backbone of the family, the number of fathers who were once labeled as the providers of the family are getting more and more scarce. Whether it be due to genocide, disenfranchisement or lack of responsibility, these fathers are nowhere to be found.
However, despite these gruesome truths, as single parents, we dare the system, society or the world to think we are helpless, hopeless and incapable of raising our young. Granted, there are some mothers and fathers out there who should not become parents, but the majority of us end up producing some of the most dynamic, successful and loving young adults in our country today. In fact, I would dare to say that many of these extraordinary creators, pioneers and leaders are products of single-parent households where prayer and faith are the adhesives that hold the home together.
In fact, you might be surprised to learn that two-parent families may be in more trouble than the single parent households when it comes to engaging, shaping and staying involved in the lives of their young. Now I’m not saying that this is the case in all two-parent households (especially the ones with God in their lives), but there is some truth to it. This may be especially true in some upper class families. They may tend to be too busy trying to maintain their lives, their homes and their jobs that their offspring suffer in some ways. Their children may go without the love, guidance, teachings of perseverance and hope that so many of us single parents try to offer our children in order to remain out of the streets where barbaric and ugly behavior runs rampant.
On the other hand, single parents may be just as busy as those who are well off, but there is more sharing and interaction between parent and child in all aspects of maintaining a healthy lifestyle in the single-parent families, whether it be chores, homework or the upkeep of the home. There is no caregiver to watch the child while the grocery shopping and other chores get done. Everything is done by the single parent, or things get done in a collaborative effort between parent and child. The well-off couple may be fortunate enough to hire a nanny while the shopping gets done, whereas, the single parent goes without this amenity.
At one point in time, I found that outside of the church and the extended family, there was not a huge amount of positive support for single parents, especially those who are older or nearing middle age. Today, however, the single parent can find a wealth of knowledgeable, supportive and helpful information on the Internet. If she or he does not own one, every public library I know now does.
But faith is what sustains us. Without faith and hope there is no future. Without a doubt, faith is the substance (or the assurance or confirmation) of things that you hope for, and it is the evidence (or proof) of things that you haven't even seen (or placed in reality) yet. (Heb 11:1). Faith sustains us. Living without faith can be hazardous to our health and well-being.
To Purchase "Faith Reclaimed," visit my website
http://www.nadinesimmons.webs.com/
Visit My Facebook Page and click "Like"
www.facebook.com/FaithReclaimed
However, despite these gruesome truths, as single parents, we dare the system, society or the world to think we are helpless, hopeless and incapable of raising our young. Granted, there are some mothers and fathers out there who should not become parents, but the majority of us end up producing some of the most dynamic, successful and loving young adults in our country today. In fact, I would dare to say that many of these extraordinary creators, pioneers and leaders are products of single-parent households where prayer and faith are the adhesives that hold the home together.
In fact, you might be surprised to learn that two-parent families may be in more trouble than the single parent households when it comes to engaging, shaping and staying involved in the lives of their young. Now I’m not saying that this is the case in all two-parent households (especially the ones with God in their lives), but there is some truth to it. This may be especially true in some upper class families. They may tend to be too busy trying to maintain their lives, their homes and their jobs that their offspring suffer in some ways. Their children may go without the love, guidance, teachings of perseverance and hope that so many of us single parents try to offer our children in order to remain out of the streets where barbaric and ugly behavior runs rampant.
On the other hand, single parents may be just as busy as those who are well off, but there is more sharing and interaction between parent and child in all aspects of maintaining a healthy lifestyle in the single-parent families, whether it be chores, homework or the upkeep of the home. There is no caregiver to watch the child while the grocery shopping and other chores get done. Everything is done by the single parent, or things get done in a collaborative effort between parent and child. The well-off couple may be fortunate enough to hire a nanny while the shopping gets done, whereas, the single parent goes without this amenity.
At one point in time, I found that outside of the church and the extended family, there was not a huge amount of positive support for single parents, especially those who are older or nearing middle age. Today, however, the single parent can find a wealth of knowledgeable, supportive and helpful information on the Internet. If she or he does not own one, every public library I know now does.
But faith is what sustains us. Without faith and hope there is no future. Without a doubt, faith is the substance (or the assurance or confirmation) of things that you hope for, and it is the evidence (or proof) of things that you haven't even seen (or placed in reality) yet. (Heb 11:1). Faith sustains us. Living without faith can be hazardous to our health and well-being.
To Purchase "Faith Reclaimed," visit my website
http://www.nadinesimmons.webs.com/
Visit My Facebook Page and click "Like"
www.facebook.com/FaithReclaimed
No comments:
Post a Comment