Definition
This type of family consists of one parent who lives with and raises their children without a spouse or partner.
What is a single-parent family?
A legal end to a marriage that often leads to two separate single-parent households.
What is divorce?
Because there is only one primary adult in the household, this single parent must fulfill both of these traditional family roles.
What is the role of a breadwinner(provider) and caregiver?
This major financial challenge often affects single-parent households due to relying on only one income.
What is economic strain (or lower household income)?
Governed by law, this financial contribution is paid by a non-custodial parent to help cover their child's living expenses.
What is child maintenance (or child support)?
While single-parent families can result from divorce or separation, this biological event is another common reason a parent becomes a single provider.
What is the death of a spouse (widowhood)?
In modern Caribbean society, this factor—where individuals choose to have children without marrying—has contributed significantly to the growth of single-parent households.
What is childbearing outside of marriage (unwed parenthood)?
Single parents often rely on relatives like grandmothers or aunts to help with childcare, forming this broader support network.
What is extended family?
Children in single-parent homes often develop high levels of this trait early on because they take on age-appropriate household responsibilities.
What is independence (or self-reliance)?
Government social programs, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and community centers provide these two main types of assistance to help single parents.
What is financial assistance and counselling/childcare services.