Impact of Single Parenting Challenges to their Children's Learning and Development

Children are supposed to grow in a family setting where both mother and father take their respective roles in the upbringing of the child. In recent years there has been a sudden rise in the phenomenon of single parent families. Single parent families face challenges in properly raising their children. This research sought to find out the impact of single parenting challenges to their infant childrens learning and development. The research employed mixed methodologies. It used questionnaires, observation checklist and document analysis as research instruments. The sample of research participants consisted of 30 school teachers, 18 school heads and 20 parents and 20 children in grade 1 and 2. The data is presented in the form of tables and excerpts. The study found out that problems faced by single parents impacted negatively to their childrens education and development. There was lack of strong parental support from single parents. Single parents failed to adequately monitor school attendance, home work, dressing and general welfare of their infant children. The academic performance of infant children from single parents was generally lower than those from intact families. The research also found that single families occupied lower strata of society. The study recommends that the schools organise support groups for single parents. The study also recommends that the government legislation and policies should assist low income single parents in their parenting problems. There is need for schools to set up guidance and counselling programmes to assist children from single families so that they are able to cope with challenges they face and are able to compete with children from intact families.