Research shows that unmarried single-parent mothers are at a high risk for poverty. Â Â The effects of poverty on children can be devastating, reducing the quality of life throughout the lifespan. Â This project will focus on providing respite child care for mothers pursuing education and on parenting and relationship skills to enhance the mother/child bond. Â
Read the entire white paper on the need for a focus on aiding single-parent mothers.
Statement of the Problem
- Unmarried single-parent mothers are at high risk for poverty and reduced possibility of establishing a stable on-going partnered relationship
- Children in unmarried female-headed single-parent families have greater risks of cognitive and developmental delays
- Parenting in unmarred single-parent families lacks consistency and tend to be harsh and lacking in support
- Mothers are stressed and depressed which affects the child’s development
- Mothers in unmarried single-parent families tend to have low educational status
- Mothers in unmarried single-parent families have limited skills for adequate employment
- Mothers in unmarried single-parent families lack knowledge of healthy living, including nutritional needs, health, and safety for children
Intervention Proposal
- Improve educational level – Provide childcare services for mothers for educational training or work.
- Provide a stipend to aid in educational expenses.
- Provide guidance in acquiring non-intrusive parenting skills through modeling of play, reading storybooks and interaction with the child.
- Provide material on parenting and child development millstones to mothers.
- Link with university or community college child development programs to set up internships in which students could provide the main interaction with mothers and their children and receive course credit.
- Provide support for daily healthy living.
Support
We could use your support. Â Please consider making a contribution to IDEALSÂ to help this project succeed.