Single parent families

Changes in the American family structure are evidenced by high rates of separation and divorce. It is estimated that almost 50% of all marriages end in divorce. These trends have resulted in a high number of single-parent families headed mostly by women. Many of these women do not receive alimony or child support payments and are more likely to be poor than married women. Single mothers (and fathers) often feel “stretched to their limits” with the unending responsibilities that face them. They carry the burden of supporting a very few opportunities for rest and relaxation, unless they have supportive extended family members who will help them.

Despite the high numbers of single parents in the USA, there is no indication that marriage is becoming less popular. The remarriage rate remains high, with approximately four out of five divorced couples eventually remarrying other people. When single parents marry each other, they create “stepfamilies” or “blended families”.

to evidence a rate separation a trend to result in alimony

Свидетельствовать Норма, уровень Разделение Тенденция Кончаться Алименты

to stretch to face an indication to remain to blend

Простираться Стоять перед ч.-л. Признак Остаться Смешивать

Ex. 14. Answer the questions:

What is the reason for so many single-parent families?

What problems do the heads of these families face?

Does the number of separations and divorces influence the popularity of marriage?

What is the situation in Belarus?

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How many children?

Ex. 15. Read how children understand this problem and answer the questions:

“My parents leave the house early to go to work and get back when it’s already evening, usually tired and stressed and with not much time to spend on me, even if they wanted to. I think that if I had brothers and sisters, they wouldn’t have any time at all for me, or for the others. But at least I’d have more company for myself.”

“My mum said that when I was born, my dad was happier, and when my little brother was born, she was happier. I think that a family that has more than one kid, a boy and a girl together, makes things more balanced.”

“I think that if I’d have a brother or a sister my parents would leave me a bit more space, and wouldn’t always be on top of me. Sometimes I feel I’ve got too much responsibility on my shoulders, I feel that I’ve got to live up to my parents’ expectations of me all the time.”

“My mum’s always telling me how expensive life is today, and that it’s a struggle for families to give their kids all the basic necessities of life, like food, education, sport, and so on. I think that a lot of families call a halt at one child because one is really expensive enough.”

What are pros and cons of having one child in the family?

How many children do you think a family should have? Give your arguments.

How many children do Belarusian families tend to have and why?

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