While most of us are focused on the persistent recession, the rise of the unemployment rate, the more frequent occurrence of natural disasters, and, of course, celebrity gossip , there is a growing plague that will have a huge impact on the future of us all – illiteracy. As always, this particular menace is ever quiet, but also ever present in our society. According the Department of Communications and Public Affairs, illiteracy is a very expensive menace – costing American taxpayers about $25 billions dollars a year. To make matters worse, it is estimated that over 44 million adults are illiterate in the US and this number increases, on average, by 2.5 million each year. Illiteracy, along with poor communication skills, is a major contributor to criminal behavior, mental disorders, and teen suicide.

Among poverty stricken homes and neighborhoods (of which many are headed by a single parent), the illiteracy rate is out of control!  Since 46-51% of US adults are illiterate, they live below the poverty level.  Women, who are the head of most single parent households, account for two-thirds of the overall number of illiterate adults in the US.  In areas where poverty is prevalent, women who are illiterate bear five to six children on average whereas their more educated counterparts have only two children on average.  And, it has been determined, that the more access to education  and literacy skills an adult has, the greater the chances their children will succeed in school.

These following statistics paint an even bleaker, but factual, picture of the seriousness of illiteracy:

70% of people with the lowest literacy skills have no full or part time job.
75% of unemployed adults are illiterate.
75% of employed adults have difficulty reading and/or writing.
75% of those on welfare cannot read.
60% of American prison inmates are illiterate.
85% of juvenile offenders have difficulties reading

Given the statistics above on adult illiteracy, coupled with the growing obsession teens have with social media and computer games, it is not surprising that the notion of reading a book – I mean an actual book – has fallen by the wayside.  Teens and tweens emulate their parents and/or the adults in their lives.  It is not only crucial for adults to take their literacy seriously for their own livelihood, but it is also crucial for the future livelihood and survival of their children.  Illiteracy is a growing issue and only through the enforcement of reading in schools, in communities, and at home with parents (single as well as dual-parent homes) will our teens have the reading skills they need for a better future.

Until next time….

Blessings!

Traci

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There has been a great debate over the years as to whether or not a single parent environment negatively affects children or not. Now, we all know that each case has its own particulars and not all cases involving a single parent environment are the same. But there are studies that show some negative effects on some children raised in a single parent environment. Here are just some of the problems your child may (or may not) have when being raised in a single parent environment. Think of these as food for thought.

Let’s start with education. Studies have shown children that are raised in a single parent environment have lower grades than those who are raised in a home with both parents. This can be in a home where the child has always been raised by one parent or in homes where a divorce or separation has recently taken place. Studies also show children raised in a single parent environment are less likely to go to college or take steps to continue their education. There are also a higher percentage of drop outs that were raised in a single family home. While the data gathered in this study may be true in some cases, I have to be honest and politely add a rebuttal. I was raised by a single parent who was not formally education. But, because of her support, I excelled in school. I also have many friends and associations from single parent homes also did pretty darn good in school as well!  While I am not discrediting this study, I will say that a child’s performance in education should not be based on the number of parents in the home. Is it more challenging for single parents, well, of course it is. But should it be allowed to grow into a negative factor for kids and teens? Absolutely not!

We have also recently learned that there is a negative effect on children’s behavior particularly during the first year of a separation or divorce. This occurs for a number of reasons. The first reason is that the child is not receiving an equal amount of affection and attention from both parents. Studies show children act more calmly when both parents are in the home and are able to pay attention to their children. Another reason your child may act out, particularly during the first year is that the parent who has the custody or even both parents may act distant and not be able to pay as much attention to the child as they were able to before. Many parents find themselves distracted and allow their child more freedoms than they are used to and that they will not discipline like they would before the divorce or separation. I have talked to many folks who were the product of a divorced household when they were young. In almost all of the cases, there was indeed a rough “adjustment” period for the child. Because of this, it is so very important for those parents who are separating to do so as amicably as possible.

Lastly, there are studies that state children who are raised in a single parent environment may be more prone to depression. There are times where a single parent environment may be more stressful than a home with two active parents. This can cause a negative effect on their ability to concentrate and find enjoyment in things and activities they once liked. Unfortunately, this study does ring true in most cases. In a poll we conducted in 2008, most of those we talked to did recall a period of personal depression over not having their mom or dad at home. Some cited a brief depression period. Others succumbed to a depression that adversely affected their lives over a long period of time. Either way, the mental health of children in single parent homes should never be taken lightly. The effects can be far reaching.

Blessings!

Traci

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