Single parenthood

Single parenthood in the United States has become increasingly common, with the US having the world’s highest rate of children living in single-parent households. It is estimated at 23% of children under 18, more than three times the global average of 7%. The majority of single-parent households are headed by women, with estimates ranging from 70% to over 80%. Despite the challenges, single-parent families are now a common household structure, with about one in three US households headed by a single parent as per the 2020 US census. That same census concluded that over 18.5 million children in the US lived with a single mother or father

The disparity between single mothers and single fathers over the last five decades has become less. The prevalence of single fathers in the population, which has grown from approximately 1.7 million in 1990 to 3.3 million in 2020. The numbers of single mothers has seen a gradual decline.

Studying while raising a kid

College students who are parents represent one in five college students. Single mother students account for close to 10% of all college students in the country as of 2019, which forms part of a significant chunk of the post-secondary student population. 42 percent of all student parents are community college students. Single parents pursuing advanced education must learn how to become experts in the art of managing their time. The simple sum of living, eating, sleeping, raising a kid and studying consumes inevitable more than available hours. Additionally, fewer than half of public colleges and universities currently offer childcare services, with a significant decline from 59% in 2004 to 45% in 2019.

Raising a kid costs a lot of money

The financial burden is equally daunting, as the cost of center-based childcare for a four-year-old is substantial. If a single parent works for an income, and studies for a degree, there is usually no other option than have their kid attend a childcare center. Estimates for childcare costs vary by state and range from $4,000, to exceeding $14,000 per year. Childcare in Minnesota looks more expensive than university tuition and rent combined. The federal definition of affordable childcare is 7% or less of a family’s annual income, but in no state does the cost of center-based infant or toddler care meet this threshold.

A celebration

I unexpectedly came across the scene of a farther and daughter celebrating a significant milestone in their lives. We briefly connected, and they told me a few of their stories. Their struggles and the victories still fresh in his mind, I spotted a proud parent.

Regardless of whether getting a degree is still a worthwhile goal, the daunting obstacles they have overcome struck me. It was his goal and they achieved it. Now they are ready to tackle the next hurdle with the wind at their back.