Parents or Prisons

Parents or Prisons

Morse argues that children from single parent households have more likelihood of becoming delinquent, compared to children from intact families, where both parents are present, and where they collaborate to raise their children. She argues that this is especially the case in households where the mothers are lacking. She notes that in such households, the parent does not have enough time to look after the children, and to monitor their activities. This means that the child spends most of the time unsupervised, and they have more freedom, than children with both parents do. I agree with Morse’s assertions concerning the relationship between single parent households and delinquency.

Most single parents are overwhelmed, as they have to provide for their children. They have to ensure that their children have necessities, and they have no one to help them. This means that they are often tired when they reach home. They do not spend enough time with their children, and it is possible that they do not realize when their children’s behavior is becoming worse. In some cases, parents do not know how to discipline their children. In some cases, the parents can be too lenient on their children, while in other cases, they can be too tough or even harsh on them. Both situations do not serve the purpose of discipline. Children from disrupted families exhibit various emotional and behavioral problems. This is because of the changes that they go through, which results to change in relationships, financial situations, and family roles and responsibilities.

Attachment, intimacy, and interpersonal relationships in families have a role to play in determining children behavior. In households with both parents, children who have strong attachments to one parent have fewer behavioral problems, and they are less likely to be delinquents (Demuth & Brown, 2004). Children with a strong parental bond have fewer behavioral and delinquent problems. Parental involvement and control influence a child’s behavior. Children, whose parents are not involved in their lives, have higher chances of becoming delinquents. This is because the parents are not present to guide and parent their children. Direct and indirect parental control slows down children delinquency.

Although I agree with Morse, that children from single parents families spend more time unsupervised, I do think that there are instances where children become delinquents although they live with both parents. Morse has failed to indicate that in two parent households, there can be instances of violence and absent parents. These situations can influence the children’s behavior negatively. I also differ with her slightly concerning the fact that households without mothers tend to produce more delinquents. Fathers have an important role to play when bringing up children, especially with their male children. They have a better chance of disciplining their male children, who are have a higher risk of becoming delinquents. Moreover, fathers are the major financial providers in the home.

In some cases, delinquency among children occurs because of poverty and less finances after family disruptions. Older children might feel the need to supplement their family income, and this might result in crime if they cannot find a better job. Most fathers provide financial support, and when they leave, the family may experience some financial challenges. Children from single father families have more economic support. Therefore, they have less chances of engaging in delinquency because of poverty (Demuth & Brown, 2004). There are different causes and forms of delinquency. Although single father households are more financially stable, research indicates that adolescents living with their fathers are more likely to have taken drugs and alcohol at one point in their lives (Demuth & Brown, 2004).

References:

Demuth, S., & Brown, L. S. (2004). Family structure, family processes, and adolescent delinquency; the significance of parental absence versus parental gender. Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency 41, (1), 58-81

Last Completed Projects