Single parenting is a result of societal malfunction. It is a shift from two-parenting to one parenting. In some cases, a father is left with the children to raise alone and in other cases, mothers are left to nurse and raise the children alone. However, this project topic, considers the causes and challenges of single parenting among women in Jos North local government council, Nigeria. But for this review, we will consider the causes and challenges of single parenting among women in general.

What is single parenting?
This is a situation where one parent, either the father or mother is left to nurture and raise a child or children in the absence of the other. Single parenting is it worth praying for, although a handful wish for it, but it has proven not to be the best way to raise a child. There are many reasons, some which may not be discussed here, why a single parent has to raise a child or children alone.

Common causes of single parenting

Divorce
When a couple decide to go their separate way either by consent or not, they are automatically subjecting their children to single parenting. It is either the mother and father take custody of the child or children or their children are shared among the parents.

Premarital pregnancy
Another automatic way to become a single parent or a single mom is to take-in outside wedlock. Young female adults who get pregnant premaritally get to raise their child alone although otherwise could be the case in a few cases.

Challenges of single parenting among women
There a number of challenges associated with single parenting among women especially and they include the following:

Compromised lifestyle
Being with a partner creates an atmosphere of fulfillment for the both parties when raising a child. But with single parenting women, it may lead them to compromise their lifestyle and search for companionship. This could apply in terms of going out of their way to fetch another partner who will satisfy their emotional needs.

Huge financial obligation
There may result in a huge financial responsibility, more than necessary. Single parenting mom exposes women to taking up financial burdens that initially planned.

Discipline
Being a single mom does not give the child or children the healthy dose of discipline they actually need to develop. Fact is, there is no amount of parenting a single mom or dad can give a child that can equal the amount two parents can give. In a situation where the lifestyle of the parent is compromised, it becomes difficult to transfer discipline in a child as children grow and learn by imitation.