Project – Single mother parenting, its effect on the emotional and social development of children

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

The family is universally recognized as the foundational social unit in society and plays a crucial role in the nurturing, socialization, and holistic development of a child. Within this unit, children are expected to learn moral values, emotional expression, communication skills, and acceptable social behaviors. Historically, the nuclear family model—comprising both parents and their children—has been regarded as the most conducive environment for raising emotionally stable and socially competent individuals. This structure allows for balanced parenting roles, emotional support from both parents, and a secure environment in which children can thrive. However, recent global trends indicate a shift away from this traditional model, particularly with the growing prevalence of single-parent households.

Single motherhood has emerged as the most common form of single-parenting, both globally and within the Nigerian context. This increase can be attributed to various factors, including rising divorce rates, spousal abandonment, the death of a partner, and, in some cases, women opting for intentional single parenthood. In Nigeria, changing cultural norms, economic pressures, and evolving social attitudes have led to a notable rise in single-mother families, particularly in urban and semi-urban regions. While these mothers often demonstrate resilience and commitment, the challenges of single-handedly raising children without the emotional, financial, and moral support of a partner can be overwhelming.

Children raised by single mothers are often exposed to unique developmental challenges that may influence their emotional well-being and social behavior. Financial constraints can result in inadequate access to quality education, healthcare, and recreational opportunities, all of which are critical to child development. Furthermore, single mothers may suffer from role overload as they juggle responsibilities typically shared between two parents. This can reduce the time and emotional energy they can invest in their children, leading to potential gaps in the children’s emotional nurturing and social experiences. According to Amato (2005), such conditions can contribute to emotional instability, behavioral issues, and strained social relationships in children.

Emotional development in children includes the ability to recognize, express, and manage one’s emotions, while social development involves acquiring the skills to interact harmoniously with others and adhere to societal norms. Several studies have suggested that children from single-mother households may face heightened risks of emotional distress, anxiety, low self-esteem, and aggression. Similarly, these children may struggle with social integration, experience peer rejection, or exhibit antisocial behaviors. However, it is important to note that not all children from single-mother families experience these outcomes. Research by Mclanahan and Sandefur (1994) indicates that the extent of these challenges may depend on various mediating factors such as the mother’s educational background, parenting style, income level, and the availability of extended family support.

Despite the challenges, many single mothers demonstrate effective parenting strategies and raise well-adjusted children. The resilience of these families often depends on the mother’s ability to access and utilize community support systems, including religious institutions, schools, NGOs, and family networks. In the Nigerian context, the role of extended families, such as grandparents and older siblings, can sometimes mitigate the negative effects of single parenting. Nonetheless, understanding the specific areas where single mothers may struggle, and identifying the kinds of support that can make a difference, remains crucial for child development stakeholders and policymakers.

Given the growing number of single-mother households in Nigeria, there is a pressing need to understand the specific effects of this family structure on children’s emotional and social development. This study, therefore, seeks to examine the impact of single mother parenting on children’s emotional and social outcomes, especially in urban and semi-urban communities. By identifying patterns of behavior, developmental gaps, and the challenges faced by these families, the research aims to provide evidence-based recommendations for targeted interventions that support single mothers and enhance the overall well-being of their children.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The rising number of children being raised in single-mother households has become a growing social concern, particularly in relation to its impact on child development. Educators, psychologists, and policymakers are increasingly alarmed by the potential consequences of this family structure on children’s emotional and social well-being. Emotional development shapes a child’s ability to understand and regulate feelings, while social development influences how children interact with peers and adapt to their environment. In single-mother households, the absence of a father figure, combined with emotional and financial strain, may disrupt the delicate balance needed to foster these developmental milestones.

In many single-mother families, financial hardship is a major challenge. The burden of providing for the family alone often forces mothers to work long hours or multiple jobs, leaving less time for meaningful interaction with their children. This limited parental attention can affect the emotional bonding necessary for a child’s psychological health. Additionally, role overload can cause stress and fatigue in mothers, reducing their capacity to respond to their children’s emotional and social needs. The absence of a paternal figure may also deprive the child of a second emotional support system, further complicating their development and sense of identity.

Although several international studies have highlighted the potential developmental risks faced by children in single-parent households, there remains a lack of in-depth, context-specific research within Nigeria. Cultural norms, religious beliefs, economic disparities, and extended family systems in Nigeria present a different set of variables that may alter or buffer the effects seen in other countries. For example, in some Nigerian communities, extended families provide strong support systems that may mitigate some of the adverse outcomes typically associated with single-parent households elsewhere. Without localized studies, however, assumptions based on foreign models may be misleading or inadequate.

Furthermore, the limited availability of reliable data and research on this issue has hindered the development of targeted interventions in Nigeria. Many schools, social workers, and community support organizations operate without evidence-based strategies to help children in single-mother families cope with emotional and social challenges. This gap in knowledge makes it difficult to create effective programs or policies tailored to the unique realities of these families. As a result, children may continue to struggle silently, and their educational, psychological, and social outcomes may be compromised.

Therefore, this study becomes essential to bridge the research gap and provide a clearer understanding of how single motherhood affects the emotional and social development of children in Nigeria. By exploring the lived experiences of these families, the study aims to uncover specific challenges, protective factors, and coping mechanisms relevant to the Nigerian context. The findings will contribute valuable insights to the fields of education, psychology, and social policy, and inform the design of culturally sensitive and effective support systems for children raised in single-mother households.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to examine the effect of single mother parenting on the emotional and social development of children. The specific objectives are to:

1. Assess the emotional development of children raised by single mothers.
2. Examine the social behavior and adjustment of children from single-mother households.
3. Identify the challenges faced by single mothers in fostering emotional and social growth in their children.
4. Explore possible support systems and strategies that enhance parenting outcomes for single mothers.

1.4 Research Questions

1. What is the nature of emotional development among children raised by single mothers?
2. How do children from single-mother households perform in terms of social adjustment and interaction?
3. What parenting challenges do single mothers face in supporting their children’s emotional and social development?
4. What support systems or interventions can aid single mothers in effectively raising well-developed children?

1.5 Hypothesis

The hypothetical statement of the study is buttressed below:

H₀: There is no significant difference in emotional development between children raised by single mothers and those raised in two-parent households.

H₁: There is a significant difference in emotional development between children raised by single mothers and those raised in two-parent households.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The significance of this study lies in its potential to inform and influence key stakeholders who work with children and families, particularly those from single-mother households. For educators and school counselors, understanding the emotional and social challenges faced by students from single-mother families is crucial. These insights can help schools implement supportive educational practices such as mentorship programs, emotional wellness workshops, and tailored guidance services aimed at helping such students navigate their developmental challenges and achieve academic success.

Social workers and psychologists stand to benefit from the findings as well. With detailed knowledge of the emotional and social issues confronting children raised by single mothers, mental health professionals can develop targeted interventions that address these needs more effectively. They can also work with single mothers to strengthen their parenting skills, build resilience, and create nurturing environments for their children. The study will provide practical frameworks for counseling services, behavioral therapy, and community-based outreach programs.

Policy makers and government agencies will find the study especially useful in designing evidence-based policies aimed at supporting single-parent families. Given that emotional and social development are closely tied to long-term societal outcomes such as crime rates, employment, and mental health, it becomes necessary for policies to address the unique vulnerabilities of children from single-mother homes. The findings may prompt the implementation of supportive policies such as subsidized childcare, parenting education, free school meals, and mental health resources within schools and communities.

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and faith-based organizations can also draw valuable insights from the study to enhance their community support programs. These organizations often work at grassroots levels where single mothers and their children are most vulnerable. With access to research-based findings, NGOs can more effectively design and implement services such as parenting workshops, educational sponsorships, emotional support groups, and vocational training for single mothers. This would help improve the overall stability and development of the families they serve.

For researchers and academic institutions, this study fills a critical gap in the literature by offering context-specific findings on the Nigerian family structure and its impact on child development. Unlike much of the existing literature, which is predominantly Western, this research will present culturally relevant data and observations that can serve as a foundation for further academic inquiries. It will also contribute to ongoing debates in developmental psychology, sociology, and education, enriching the local and international understanding of single motherhood and its effects.

Finally, this study will benefit single mothers themselves, by highlighting the real challenges they face and amplifying their experiences. It may empower them with new knowledge about their influence on their children’s emotional and social development. The study could also stimulate advocacy for stronger institutional and community support, enabling single mothers to raise healthy, confident, and socially well-adjusted children despite their parenting challenges. Through increased awareness, these mothers may gain access to the resources and encouragement they need to thrive.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The study focuses on single mother parenting and its impact on the emotional and social development of children in Rivers State. The study is limited to selected Primary Schools in Obio-Akpor LGA, Rivers State.

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

Single Mother Parenting: The act of raising a child or children by a woman without the presence or support of a spouse or male partner.

Emotional Development: The process through which children understand, express, and manage emotions such as happiness, anger, fear, and sadness.

Social Development: The process by which a child learns to interact with others, develop relationships, and behave according to social norms.

Children: Persons within the age range of 6 to 17 years who are the focus of this study in terms of their developmental outcomes.

Two-Parent Household: A family structure where both the mother and father are actively involved in raising the child.

Project – Single mother parenting, its effect on the emotional and social development of children