Posted: April 8th, 2023

Assignment 4.1: Family Structures

Assignment 4.1: Family Structures

Choose ONE of the following types of family structures

-Nuclear Family

-Blended Family

-Single Parent Family

Based off the family structure you chose, answer the following questions in your assignment

1. Within the structure you chose, what kind of benefits do the adults and children of the family experience? What are the disadvantages?

2. How do parents and children typically interact within this type of structure?

3. If you were tasked with helping a family of your chosen structure improve their relationship with one another, what would you suggest or help them with?

Assignment Expectations for Grading:

1. Demonstration of critical thinking, scholarship, and ability to connect and apply the material

2. Comprehensiveness and completeness of your responses

3. Adherence to the written instructions

4. Spelling and grammar

5. Provide 3-5 APA Style References to support your paper.

Step 2: Save and Submit your assignment

I have chosen to discuss the Single Parent Family structure for this assignment.

Benefits and Disadvantages:
Single parent families consist of one parent raising their child or children on their own. In this structure, the parent has complete responsibility for the financial, emotional, and physical needs of their child/children. One of the benefits of single parent families is that the parent has complete control over their child’s upbringing. They can decide what kind of values, traditions, and morals they want to instill in their children. In addition, children in single parent families may develop a stronger bond with their parent due to the increased one-on-one time they get to spend with them.

However, single parenting can also come with several disadvantages. One of the biggest disadvantages is that the parent may struggle to balance work and parenting responsibilities. This may lead to stress and exhaustion, which can have a negative impact on both the parent and the child. Single parent families may also struggle financially, which can lead to a lack of resources for the family. Finally, the child may miss out on the experience of having two parents involved in their upbringing, which can sometimes lead to emotional and behavioral issues.

Parent-Child Interaction:
In a single parent family, the parent typically takes on both the role of the primary caregiver and disciplinarian. Due to this, the parent may develop a closer relationship with their child/children, as they spend more time together. However, this can also lead to feelings of guilt and responsibility if the parent struggles to provide for their child/children. Communication may also be more direct and honest in single parent families, as there are fewer people involved in decision-making.

Suggestions for Improvement:
If I were tasked with helping a single parent family improve their relationship with one another, I would suggest the following:

Encourage the parent to seek out support from friends, family, or local community resources. This may help them to balance work and parenting responsibilities, reduce stress, and provide a sense of community.
Encourage open communication between the parent and child/children. This can be done through regularly scheduled one-on-one time, creating a safe space for discussion, and being open to listening to the child/children’s concerns and opinions.
Encourage the parent to involve their child/children in decision-making. This can help the child/children feel like they have a say in their own lives and can lead to a stronger sense of empowerment.
References:

Jackson, A. P. (2017). A Mixed-Methods Study of Single Parenting: The Influence of Child Behavioral Problems and Parenting Confidence on Depressive Symptoms and Parenting Efficacy. Journal of Family Issues, 38(7), 926-949. https://doi.org/10.1177/0192513×15572734

Dunifon, R., & Kowaleski-Jones, L. (2002). Who’s in the House? Race Differences in Cohabitation, Single Parenting, and Child Development. Child Development, 73(4), 1249-1264. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-8624.00464

Amato, P. R. (2005). The Impact of Family Formation Change on the Cognitive, Social, and Emotional Well-Being of the Next Generation. The Future of Children, 15(2), 75-96. https://doi.org/10.1353/foc.2005.0013