Parenthood is defined as the state of being a parent; specifically: the position, function, or standing of a parent. In the not so distant past, it was safe to expect this definition described a “nuclear” family, mother and father living and raising their children together. Nevertheless, that increasingly is not the case in modern society. Families led by single parents, defined as uncoupled individuals who shoulder most or all of the day-to-day responsibilities for raising a child or children, are on the rise and are expected to continue this upward trend.
A quick glimpse at the results from a Google search of “single parent households” and you will find a plethora of articles with unnerving titles such as “The Single-Parent Family: A Social and Sociological Problem” and “Why Do Single-Parent Families Put Children at Risk?” This proves the negative connotations associated with those who fall under this umbrella. However, single parent households are as diverse as “traditional” households, and should therefore not be placed in a single box. In this time of division, we are rarely presented stories that highlight the love we have for one another and our children.
The Single Parenthood Project aims to change the narrative by shedding light into the untold success stories of single parents and their children. The goal is to recognize the challenges, while placing focus on the accomplishments. It is an opportunity to acknowledge single parent families that work hard every day to fight against the odds, statistics and low expectations.
