SINGLE PARENT FAMILIES AND THEIR IMPACT ON CHILDREN: A STUDY OF AMASSOMA COMMUNITY IN BAYELSA STATE
In Nigeria, the number of children in single parent families has risen significantly over the past four decades, causing substantial concern among policymakers and the public. Researchers have identified the rise in single parent families (especially mother child families) as a major factor driving the long term increase in child poverty in Nigeria. The effects of growing up in single parent households have been shown to go beyond economics, increasing the risk of children dropping out of school, disconnecting from the labor force, and becoming teen parents. Although many children growing up in single parent families succeed, others will face significant challenges in making the transition to adulthood. Children in lower income, single parent families face the most significant barriers to success in school and the work force. The study therefore focuses on the experiences of single parents in Amassoma Community of Bayelsa State, Nigeria.