crisis pregnancy
On Your Own
Raising children as a single parent can be an overwhelming challenge to face. And while at times you may feel truly alone, you really aren't. There are 11.9 million single-parent households in the United States; that means that 28 percent of America's children are being raised by one parent. Over the last 20 years, single parenting has even bypassed two-parent households as the most common way in which children are raised. Single parents head 30 percent of all U.S. households while only about 26 percent of households have two parents living together. But while solo parenting is a very common lifestyle in today's society, many of the difficulties it creates for the parent are hard to face alone.
Many single parents and their children assume that a household with one adult can function as though there were two parents. But juggling the responsibilities of providing for the family, maintaining a household and caring for children is often overwhelming for two individuals to handle, much less one. Community, church and volunteer involvements, while important to the success of a single parent household, can make the job seem even harder. Single parents often find that they have less time than ever to spend with their children. In addition, the family's finances are typically drastically reduced by the parents ' break-up, bringing new stresses that didn't exist before.
The fact that most single parents have been through a divorce creates some unique problems as well. Child custody and financial issues can cause further conflict between mother and father. This continuing struggle often disrupts relationships with children. The divorce often interrupts the support system of extended family as well, making the single parent feel even more alone. Helping children struggle through the emotional, behavioral and academic issues that divorce usually brings can exhaust single parents to a whole new level. And as parents begin entering new relationships, they face challenges dealing with their children's reactions and their own mixed feelings about starting over again.
Background Information
Behind the Scenes of a Teen Pregnancy
A look at the thoughts and feelings she — and you — are going through.
Abortion Risks
While abortion seems like a "quick fix" for a long-term problem, it is a permanent decision that carries physical, emotional and spiritual risks.
Deciding About Adoption
When considering adoption as an alterative to raising your baby, these answers may dispel adoption myths.
Questions and Answers
Why do I feel like this pregnancy has pulled me in so many different directions? I feel so overwhelmed with all the ramifications of this decision I must make. How can I sort it all out?
Answer
My pregnant daughter has her whole life still ahead of her. Would it be better for her to place her baby with a family through adoption, parent her baby or have an abortion?
Answer
Review Frequently Asked Questions
Stories
Things Seen and Unseen
A woman in a white coat walked into the room and flipped on the fluorescent lights, jarring my wife awake. The jarring was just beginning.
Left to Suffer
Abortion can leave a woman feeling more empty and alone than she ever dreamed possible.
Life is Sacred
Sometimes the choices we make bring pain. Thankfully, one woman turned to God for healing.
Taboo Grief: Men and Abortion
It's not something most men talk about, but the ones who've lost a child to abortion bear many scars.
If you've been through a experience related to this topic, we invite you to share your story with others.Share Your Story
Other Things to Consider
Faith Helps
God may be the only person who understands what you're going through.
What the Choice is All About
For a long time it baffled me. I could never understand why anyone would want to be pro-choice. But this past week I finally got it.
Related Topics
Relationships: Blended Families, Parents and Adult Children
Transitions: Preparing for Adolescence, Empty Nest
