Single Parent Families

Parent Information & Resource Panel

Haley Bartlett
 Overview of Different Family Types
1. Nuclear Family: This type of family consists of two parents and their children.

2. Single Parents: This type of family consists of one parent and their children.

3. Extended Family: This type of family consists of two or more adults who are related
through blood or marriage, living with their children.

4. Step-Family: This type of family consists of two separate families merging into one.

5. Grandparent Family: This type of family consists of the grandparent(s) raising their
grandchild(ren).

6. Childless Family: This type of family is a partnership where the individuals cannot or do
not want children.
 Overview of Single-Parent Families
A single parent is someone who raises their legal dependents without a partner
living with them.

Single parenthood is not always by choice. It's not uncommon for single
parenthood to arise from divorce, separation, the loss of a partner, or other special
circumstances.

Coping with the responsibilities of running a household alone can be a daunting

task. Nonetheless, some single parents may discover that the experience has its
upsides.
 Single Parenthood by Divorce
Divorce is one of the main causes of Single Parenthood

Divorced Parent and Conflict

● High rates of interpersonal conflict - negative effects of children
● Less effective monitoring and supervision
● Inconsistent and harsh discipline
● Decreased parental warmth and affection
● Continued interparental conflict, children used as ‘pawns’

Coping post-divorce
● Maintenance of positive parenting
● Temporarily diminished positive parenting but rebounds
● The collapse of positive parenting that lasts over time
 Possible Impact of Divorce by Age
Infants & Toddlers: Birth-2 Preschooler: Ages 3-5 Middle Ages: 6-12 Adolescence: 12+
● Do not understand ● May not understand ●Expand social network ●May feel a range of emotion;
divorce, but pick up on separation or divorce outside the family surprised, angry outbursts,
emotional conflict ●May feel guilty, think they grief
● Developed independent
(emotional synchrony) relationships with each caused the separation ●Behaviours: acting out,
● Keep things structured parent ●Tend to take one parents side withdrawn from family, impact
and predictable on romantic relationships
● Egocentric- may believe ●Difficult to understand other
● Change routines slowly the separation is their fault perspectives ●Divorce/separation can worsen
or caused the parents on already fragile relationship
● Often show struggle ●Fear the relationship with one
through eating, sleeping, sadness parent ●The teenager may worry about
and toileting ● Believe mom or dad is how the divorce/separation will
●May feel sad and worry about affect them
● May have more crying, leaving them the future
irritability, tantrums ● Feelings of abandonment, ●Teen in the middle of conflict
●May feel loyalty conflicts
● Parents should focus on separation anxiety- shows ●Provide opportunities for teen
lots of affection ●Don't lean on child for to talk about emotions,
attachment and emotional support, don't give
connection concerns, and complaints
child developmentally
inappropriate tasks. ●Don't lean on teen for
○ Eg. too many household emotional support
responsibilities ●Watch out for parental guilt -
 Single Parenthood by Choice

Clinical Fertilization Clinical Fertilization refers to the use of in-vitro techniques and an
anonymous sperm donor.

Information Fertilization When it comes to information on Fertilization, there are two main options.

The first option is to reach an agreement with a known suitable father

for participation in insemination with no ties to the conception or
upbringing of the child.

The second option is to approach a stranger with the aim of

conception.

Unplanned Pregnancy In the case of an Unplanned Pregnancy, either actively in a relationship or

not, only one member of the partnership may want to keep the child.

Adoption Adoption involves taking on the parental role. The 'donor' may be known or
unknown, and they may or may not be present in the child's life.
 Challenges of Single-Parent Families
The reason why married fathers and mothers engage in different types of parenting is not because of their biology, but rather due
to different social expectations around the performance of certain roles.

● Maintaining Stability and Security ● Lack of Support

● Financial Novelties ● Discrimination and Stigma
○ Maintaining a household with a single income. ● Emotional Tolls
● Barriers to Employment ● Applying Self-care into Routine
○ Child Care Costs
● Opposite Gender Child
○ Child has Illness
● Limited Transportation
● Child’s Cost of Needs
○ Regularly need new clothing ● Reduced opportunities for Extra Curriculars
○ Hygiene products ● Shared Custody (Collaboration with other
○ Nutritional Food parent)

● Balancing Work and Family

● Maintaining Relationship and Building New Relationships
 Gendered Constructions — Single Mothers
● Gender inequality creates a burden and stigma. Men are seen as essential breadwinners in families,
leaving single mothers perceived as inadequate providers and deficient parents due to the patriarchal
construction of gender roles.
● Many believe single mothers have less time for their children. Being a single mom
requires a lot of balancing work and family life. When you don't have to devote time to a
marriage, you can spend that time with the children.

● Expectations are much higher on Single Mothers as they are still more commonly known
as a caregiver, opposed to a Single Father.

● Single Mothers also play the role of father. It is commonly thought that women can’t
provide rich role modeling for masculinity.

● Society typically views the single mothers relationship status as a reflection of

character and ability to be an effective parent.
 Gendered Constructions — Single Fathers
● Many people believe that single-fathers don’t have primary care, but are
simply ‘visiting’.

● Single Fathers also play the role of mother. It is commonly thought that men can’t
provide rich role modeling for femininity.

● Mother’s often take on the nurturing role in a household, society claims that the single father doesn’t
nurture the child like a mother would.

● It is believed that fathers can’t talk to the opposite sex child about girl issues, such as sex,
love, etc.

● Single Fathers are typically praised over single mother as they are ‘stepping up’ and
‘not a deadbeat’, providing ‘what the mother couldn’t’. Single mothers face more
criticism for being apart of the child’s life as they don’t have a father figure for the child.
It reflects on the mothers character rather than focusing on what she does provide for
the child, opposed to the single-father.

● Many believe the father will not spend an adequate amount of quality time with the child.
 Benefits of Single Parenthood
● Being a single parent may be in the best interest of the child’s safety and well-being.
● Independence and Self-reliance
● Freedom to make decisions for their child
● Not restricted to the best interest, beliefs or views of the other parent
● More quality time with child
● Close Relationships with child
● Control over Finances
● Larger support network
● More opportunities for collaboration with the child
● Continuous learning Opportunities for both parent and child
● Open-mindedness
 Benefits of Parent-Educator Relationships
● Gives them a better understanding of home life and how they can support you.

● Help maintain consistency in the child’s routine and development.

● Allow for thoughts and feeling to be heard.

● Judgment free.

● They offer resources best suited for your needs.

● Supports the best interest of the child.

● Helps build trust in the parent-educator-child relationships.

● Provides opportunities for involvement in your child's learning.

● The Educator can bring your Culture/Religion into the classroom for better inclusivity.
Family and Caregiving Benefits
 Canadian Family and Caregiving Benefits
The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) Child Disability Benefit (CDB)
CCB is a non‑taxable amount paid monthly to help eligible The child disability benefit (CDB) is an additional monthly
families with the cost of raising children under 18 years of benefit included in the CCB to provide financial assistance
age. to qualified families caring for children who have a severe
and prolonged impairment in physical or mental functions.
Eligibility criteria
The CDB provides up to $3,173 per year ($261.41 per
● You must live with the child, and the child must be month) for each child eligible for the DTC.
under 18 years of age.
● The CDB starts being reduced when the adjusted
● You must be the person primarily responsible for family net income (AFNI) is greater than $75,537.
the care and upbringing of the child.
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefi
● If a child does not live with you all the time, see If ts/child-disability-benefit.html
you share custody of a child.
● You must be a resident of Canada for tax
purposes. You are considered a resident of
Canada when you establish sufficient residential
ties in Canada.
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/forms-publication
s/publications/t4114/canada-child-benefit.html#toc2
 Canadian Family and Caregiving Benefits
Disability Tax Credit (DTC) Children's Special Allowances (CSA)
The disability tax credit (DTC) is a non-refundable tax The children's special
credit that helps people with disabilities, or their allowances (CSA) program provides payments to federal,
supporting family member, reduce the amount of income provincial and territorial agencies and institutions (such as
tax they may have to pay. children's aid societies) that care for children.
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/se CSA payments are to be used exclusively for the care and
gments/tax-credits-deductions-persons-disabilities/disability-tax-credit.
html maintenance of the child to whom they apply. This means
the child is dependent on the agency for food, clothing,
shelter, medical assistance, education, training and
Family Caregiver Benefit for Children advancement to a greater extent than on any other
agency or person.
EI caregiver benefits provide financial assistance while
you’re away from work to care for or support a critically ill The monthly CSA payment is equal to the maximum
or injured person or someone needing end-of-life care. Canada child benefit (CCB) payment plus the child
disability benefit (CDB) if the child is eligible for the
Maximum weeks payable up to 35 weeks disability tax credit (DTC).
Providing care to a critically ill or injured person under 18 https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefi
ts/childrens-special-allowances.html
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/caregiving.html
 Provincial (Ontario) Family and Caregiving Benefits
Ontario Child Benefit Ontario Child Care Fee Subsidy Children with Special Needs
The Ontario Child Benefit (OCB) helps Families can apply for the Ontario child Special Needs Resourcing (SNR) helps
low-to-moderate income families – care fee subsidy. The cost of this support the inclusion of children with
whether they are working or not – to program is shared by the Ontario special needs in licensed child care
provide for their children. government, municipal governments and settings, including licensed home child
Depending on your family income, you First Nation communities. care premises, and in places where child
may qualify for the OCB, if you: You can apply if your child is under 13 and family programs are provided such
years old (or up to 18 years old if your as EarlyON Child and Family Centres,
● are the primary caregiver of a child children's recreation programs, and
under the age of 18 child has special needs and meets other
criteria*) and in either: camps. SNR is provided at no additional
● are a resident of Ontario cost to parents.
● a licensed child care program
● have filed and had assessed your (centre-based, home-based or in- https://www.ontario.ca/page/child-care-subsidies#
previous year's income tax return, section-3
home services)
and so has your spouse or
common-law partner, and ● a children's recreation program
● have registered your child for the ● a camp
federal Canada Child Tax Benefit ● a before and after school program
https://www.ontario.ca/page/child-care-subsidies# operated directly by a school
section-1 board
https://www.ontario.ca/page/child-care-subsidies#
Benefits and Financial Support
 Canadian Benefits and Financial Support
Canada Workers Benefit Canada Dental Benefit
The Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) is a refundable tax The interim Canada Dental Benefit is intended to help
credit to help individuals and families who are working lower dental costs for eligible families earning less than
and earning a low income. $90,000 per year. Parents and guardians may be eligible
if they pay for dental care for a child under 12 years old
You are eligible for the basic amount of the CWB if you who does not have access to a private dental insurance
meet all the following conditions: plan.
● Earn working income and your net income is below https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefi
the net income level set for your province or ts/dental-benefit.html
territory of residence
● Are a resident of Canada throughout the year
● Are 19 years of age or older on December 31, or
you live with your spouse or common-law partner
or your child
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefi
ts/acwb-eligibility.html
 Provincial (Ontario) Benefits and Financial Support
Ontario Works Ontario trillium benefit (OTB)
If you need financial assistance for food and housing, and The Ontario Trillium Benefit combines the following three
are in financial need, you can apply for financial and credits to help pay for energy costs as well as sales and
employment assistance through Ontario Works. property tax:

Ontario Works offers: ● Northern Ontario Energy Credit

● money to help you and your eligible family
members with living expenses, including food, and ● Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit
rent ● Ontario Sales Tax Credit
● health benefits for you and your eligible family
https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-trillium-benefit
members
● employment supports to help you find and keep a
job (such as workshops for resume writing, job
counselling, job-specific training and basic
education)
https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-works
Windsor & Essex County Resources
Windsor-Essex Regional Community Safety and Well-Being Asset Map

An interactive tool
designed to display and
map information of vital
community assets
located across Windsor
and Essex County.

Press the link

to access the community
assets map

https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/83387bc4c429475db165492691fd5416
 EarlyON Child and Family Centres (CFC)
Connections Early Years Family Centre Great Beginnings
The EarlyON Centre is a place where parents, caregivers and children 0-6 years of Free, drop in program for families with children birth to age 6. Come
age can play and learn together. There is no cost to attend any of our programs or play and explore with your child in an environment that is set up just
activities. for them. We offer fun activities, field trips and workshops for parents.
795 Giles Blvd. E, Windsor, Ontario N9A 4E5 The EarlyON Child & Family Centres are staffed by Registered Early
Childhood Educators who are there to help connect you to other
(519) 252-9696 | [email protected]
services in the community. We have two locations to serve you!
Drouillard Place
California EarlyON Child & Family Centre
Drouillard Place is a registered, nonprofit charitable organization under the direction of 820 California Avenue, Windsor, ON
a community-based Board of Directors. Drouillard Site provides a comfortable setting (519) 253-5235
where parents, caregivers and children, ages 0-6, can play and learn together. Parent Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday 9:30am-11:30am
education and support programs are offered at both Drouillard and Grandview.
Providing a comfortable, non-threatening, non-judgemental atmosphere where all Bloomfield EarlyON Child & Family Centre
children and youth can form friendships and develop their self-esteem. Help with
3440 Bloomfield Road, Windsor, ON
(519) 256-1660
homework, gym activities, guest speakers, games, nutritional snacks and computers
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday 9:30am-11:30am
are available.

Drouillard Site EarlyOn Child & Family Centre

1102 Drouillard Rd., Windsor, ON N8Y 2R1
(519) 253-1073 | [email protected]

Grandview Site EarlyOn Child & Family Centre

3021 Grandview, Windsor, ON N8T 2L8
 Food Bank Programs
Downtown Windsor Mission Salvation Army

664 Victoria Ave. Windsor, ON, N9A 4N9 355 Church St. Windsor, ON, N9A 7G9
519-973-5573 519-253-7473 Ext. 244
OPEN: Tuesday thru Friday: 10:00am to 3:00pm OPEN: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday 11:30 to 3:30.
Pick up from 875 Ouellette Ave. Visits limited to once a month.
26 Talbot Street S Essex, ON, N8M 1A7
www.downtownmission.com 519-776-4628
OPEN: Wednesday and Friday 9:00 to 12:00 by appointment only.

UHC - Hub of Opportunities

88 Setterington St. Leamington, ON, N8H 1T6
6955 Cantelon Drive, Windsor ON N8T 3J9 519-326-0319
519-944-4900 OPEN: Monday - Thursday 9:15 to 12:00 by appointment only for
WALK-UP HOURS: Monday, Wednesday, & Friday 9:30 am to 2:00 pm curbside service.

https://salvationarmy.ca/
Adie Knox

1551 Wyandotte St W, Windsor, ON N9B 1H6

DRIVE THRU/WALK-UP HOURS: Tuesday & Thursday from 11:00 am
to 2pm or while supplies last
 Mental Health Supports
Regional Children’s Counselling Clinic Telephone Service 519-257-5437 (KIDS)
Quick confidential access to mental health services for children, youth (up to 18) and their families.
Available Monday to Thursday 8 am to 8 pm, and Friday’s 8 am to 4:30 pm.
For more information: https://www.hdgh.org/rccwalkin

Community Crisis Centre 519-973-4435

24 hour telephone crisis response service for those with severe mental health conditions or experiencing a crisis who require immediate assessment,
psycho-social intervention, and support. (For emergencies call 911)

Mental Health and Addictions Urgent Care Centre 519-257-5111 ext. 77968
This service by Canadian Mental Health Association Windsor-Essex Branch is intended for individuals aged 16 years or older who are experiencing a
mental health or addictions crisis who cannot safely wait for community mental health and addiction support. The ‘centre’ will also serve those who
are in or who are at risk of a worsening mental health condition that may require hospitalization.
Location: Crisis and Mental Wellness Centre (TSC), 744 Ouellette Ave., Windsor, ON.
Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday 11:00 am – 7:00 pm

WEConnect Kids
If you are a young person up to age 18, or a loved one of a child or youth struggling with their mental health and/or addiction and are not sure where
to turn, this program will help parents and caregivers connect with the most appropriate service based on your child’s needs. Visit
www.WEConnectKids.org for more information.
https://www.chconline.org/resourcelibrary/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/anxiety-tips-infographic-1428-1024x1024.jpg
 References
Koresky, D. (2024, March). Single Parent, Teenage and Blended Families. Building Connections With Communities
(ECE231C).

Holden, G. W. (2020). Parenting: A Dynamic Perspective (3rd Edition). SAGE Publications Inc.

Van Gasse, D., & Mortelmans, D. (2020). Reorganizing the Single ‐Parent Family System: Exploring the Process
Perspective on Divorce. Family Relations, 69(5), 1100–1112. https://doi.org/10.1111/fare.12432

Van Gasse, D., & Mortelmans, D. (2020). With or Without You – Starting Single-parent Families: A Qualitative Study on
How Single Parents by Choice Reorganise Their Lives to Facilitate Single Parenthood from a Life Course Perspective.
Journal of Family Issues, 41(11), 2223–2248. https://doi.org/10.1177/0192513X20911971

Yorks, J. (2022). Singled out no longer: The changing narratives and types of single ‐parent families. Sociology Compass,
16(2). https://doi.org/10.1111/soc4.12951

Malmquist, A., Björnstam, T., & Thunholm, A. (2019). Swedish Children of Single Mothers by Choice, and Children of
Heterosexual Couples, Reflect on Child Conception and Other Paths to Parenthood. NORA : Nordic Journal of Women’s
Studies, 27(3), 166–180. https://doi.org/10.1080/08038740.2018.1554602
 References
The Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/forms-publications/publications/t4114/canada-child-benefit.html#toc2

Child Disability Benefit (CDB)

https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/child-disability-benefit.html

Disability tax credit (DTC)

https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/segments/tax-credits-deductions-persons-disabilities/disability-tax-credit.html

Family Caregiver Benefit for Children

https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/caregiving.html

Children's Special Allowances (CSA)

https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/childrens-special-allowances.html

Ontario Child Benefit

https://www.ontario.ca/page/child-care-subsidies#section-1

Ontario Child Care Fee Subsidy

https://www.ontario.ca/page/child-care-subsidies#section-0

Children with Special Needs

https://www.ontario.ca/page/child-care-subsidies#section-3
 References
Canada Workers Benefit
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/acwb-eligibility.html

Canada Dental Benefit

https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/dental-benefit.html

Ontario Works
https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-works

Ontario trillium benefit (OTB)

https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-trillium-benefit

Windsor-Essex Regional Community Safety and Well-Being Asset Map

https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/83387bc4c429475db165492691fd5416

Connections Early Years Family Centre

https://www.connectwithus.ca/earlyon-child-and-family-centre/

Drouillard Place
http://drouillardplace.ca/about-us

Great Beginnings
https://greatbeginningsdaycare.ca/program/