Single Parenting: Impact on Child’s Development

Kersi Chavda and Vinyas Nisarga

Impact on Cognitive Development and Academic Performance

Various studies have found reduction in academic performance, motivation, and
creativity among those growing up in single-parent households. Children were
likelier to drop out, have poorer grades, and get jobs outside of school. The
socioeconomic status of single-parent families and the parent’s lack of
participation in school activities might be the reason for reduced academic
performance. Compared to the children whose fathers were less involved, higher
paternal involvement in school was associated with better academic function
and behavior, including higher scores, fewer absences, and a positive attitude
towards school. Children from divorced homes have less language stimulation,
are more likely to have lower grades, are made to repeat a year of school, have
lower math and science scores, and more likely to be diagnosed with learning
disabilities.
Child Guidance
The Model Was Given in Eden—The system of education instituted at the
beginning of the world was to be a model for man throughout all aftertime. As an
illustration of its principles a model school was established in Eden, the home of
our first parents. The Garden of Eden was the schoolroom, nature was the lesson
book, the Creator Himself was the instructor.

Exemplified in the Master Teacher—In the training of His disciples the Saviour
followed the system of education established at the beginning. The Twelve first
chosen, with a few others who through ministry to their needs were from time to
time connected with them, formed the family of Jesus. They were with Him in the
house, at the table, in the closet, in the field. They accompanied Him on His
journeys, shared His trials and hardships, and, as much as in them was, entered
into His work.
Sometimes He taught them as they sat together on the mountainside, sometimes
beside the sea, or from the fisherman's boat, sometimes as they walked by the
way. Whenever He spoke to the multitude, the disciples formed the inner circle.
They pressed close beside Him, that they might lose nothing of His instruction.
They were attentive listeners, eager to understand the truths they were to teach
in all lands and to all ages.

True Education Is Both Practical and Literary—In childhood and youth practical
and literary training should be combined, and the mind stored with knowledge....

Children should be taught to have a part in domestic duties. They should be

instructed how to help father and mother in the little things that they can do.
Their minds should be trained to think, their memories taxed to remember their
appointed work; and in the training to habits of usefulness in the home, they are
being educated in doing practical duties appropriate to their age