Single Mothers parenting

ABSTRACT

This study is concerned with assessing single  mother’s experience of  socializing their dependent children in Ilorin South, Kwara State, Nigeria. The objective of the study is to find out the experiences of single mothers in socializing their children. The researcher has employed qualitative research methodology. The basic research  question is; how do single mothers take care of their family with the parenting style they adopt? For this purpose, the data requirements for the study  were collected from 11 single mothers. And they were selected  by  using snowball  sampling technique. Altogether 11 semi-structured interviews were conducted for the  analysis so as to collect relevant data. The data collected  were analysed using thematic analysis or major idea analysis. The findings  from the study revealed that   financial problem  (difficulty  for the mothers to  meet the basic needs of children and the family)  and the parenting style of single mothers, psychological challenges  (  loneliness, helpless and  hopeless )  were the main stressor for majority of the single mothers and child development, while  children  of single parents receive little support in their educational engagement form  their mothers (that have a negative effect on their academic, psychological and emotional performance )  and  single mothers received   limited support from community, neighbourhood , government and non government organization. The study also suggests that there is an urgent need  to recognize the unique challenges of both the children of single mother families  and their mothers (as compared to children  of nuclear families)  and calls  for  multifaceted  interventions by both government and nongovernmental organizations to help these groups of the society  to cope-up with the psychological, financial and emotional problems. 

Key words: Single Mother, Children development, Child Parent Relationship, parenting styles by single mothers and financial challenges.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title page............................................................................................................ (a)

Certification......................................,.................................................................. (b)

Dedication............................................................................................................(c)

Acknowledgement.............................................................................................. (d)

Abstract................................................................................................................(e)

CHAPTER ONE: Introduction......................................1

Background To The Study.................................................................................1-4

Statement Of The Problem..................................................................................5-7

Research Questions................................................................................................7

Aims And Objectives.............................................................................................7-8

Significance Of The Study...................................................................................8

Limitations Of The Study......................................................................................9

Operational Definition And Clarification Of Concepts.......................................10

CHAPTER TWO: Literature Review............................12

Theoretical Framework.....................................................................................12-29

Single Mother Status.........................................................................................29-30

Single Mothers Parenting Style.........................................................................30-32

Influence Of Single Mothers Parenting On The Well Being Of The Family....32-34

Single Mothers Parenting Influence On Socio-Economic Well Being............. 34-37

Causes of Single Parenting.................................................................................37-39

Effects Of Single Mothers Parenting..................................................................39-45

CHAPTER THREE: Methodology..................................... 46

Research Design........................................................................................................46

Description Of Study Area....................................................................................46-47

Population Of Study.....................................................................................................47

Sampling Technique And Size....................................................................................47

Method Of Data Collection.....................................................................................47-48

Description Of The Research Instruments...................................................................48

Data Analysis...........................................................................................................48-49

Ensuring Rigor And Consistency.............................................................................49-50

Ethical Considerations.............................................................................................50-51

Logical Framework......................................................................................................52

CHAPTER FOUR: Data Presentation and Analysis.............. 53

Brief Description Of Participant.....................................................................................53

Background information On Single Mothers............................................................53-55

Findings......................................................................................................................55-66

Single Mothers – Children Relationship

Economic Problem Of Single Mothers Headed Family

Psychosocial Challenges

Family Role In Children Education

Children’s Future Relationship

Support Systems For Single Mothers: Role Of Community And Ngo’s

Parent’s Perspective On The Effects Of Single Parenting On Children

Cognitive, Social And Emotional Development Of Children

CHAPTER FIVE: Summary, Conclusion And Recommendations....................................................................66

Discussions.................................................................................................................66-68

Recommendations.......................................................................................................68-69

Implications......................................................................................................................70

Contribution To Knowledge............................................................................................71

Conclusion........................................................................................................................71

References....................................................................................................................72-76

Appendix......................................................................................................................77-79