Illustration by Giselle Martin Gomez
Single parenting has become more prevalent during the 21st century. According to a study by wisconsinfamilyimpact.org, the percent of single parent families has grown from Milwaukee County statistics for single household parents by the U.S. Census bureau in 2019 was 47.9 %. In 2014, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel released a report that concluded poverty is on the rise for Wisconsin single mothers, a report which was confirmed by the Census Bureau. Traditionally single-parenting has been considered a negative family design, especially for the health of the child(ren). As situations lead to parents becoming single-parents, Milwaukee is no stranger to its population of parents being single parents.
What defines someone as a single parent? As the name suggests, children raised by one parent. Milwaukee women heading single family households come from different backgrounds such as victims of domestic violence, refugee seekers, windowing, those separated from partners and women who are alone with nowhere to go.
Single mothers have held a stigma for the longest time. The struggles they face mentally and physically for themselves as well as their children, include poverty, exclusion and a lack of understanding about their lifestyles. In a Lost Angeles Times article, "The Stereotype and the Single Mother, writer Sandy Banks spoke of societal perspectives of single parents from 20 years ago to present. In response she received an email she identified as "a man" who said he personally thought getting married traditionally before having a baby was the correct way, essentially sharing the idea that single moms are where they are because of “their” choices, and describing them to be careless, selfish, irresponsible, comfortable with welfare check and dismissive of a dad. On the contrary, single mothers need to be recognized as individuals in complicated circumstances. Banks responded that no women needs to explain herself to anyone nor their business and how they got where they are. Single parents all share a purpose to put their children first.
"She has felt shame but didn’t always understand why she felt ashamed or why should she be shamed for being a single mom."
- Kelsey Roberts, Downtown Milwaukee
Kelsey Roberts, a White single mother from downtown Milwaukee, released her own article on milwaukeemom.com, about the level of acceptance she has experienced as a single mom. She said she still has what she wants. She pondered about this when she met to catch up with a colleague and realized where her stance was on life as a single mother. She expected to be asked how she was able to “manage such a busy schedule” but instead was asked how did she have time for her kids. In her experience she has felt shame but didn’t always understand why she felt ashamed or why should she be shamed for being a single mom. Her motto, according to the article, was that, although she is a single mom, it does not mean she should give up her life goals just because she has children. She believes that, because of sexist ideas, it is expected that women can no longer achieve their dreams once they have children. She took a stand, saying that she has no reason to be ashamed. She does everything so that her child will know that, at the end of the day she is a devoted mother to her child, putting them first.
Many parents in single parent households struggle financially because of a variety of issues including, but not limited to, the lack of dual income, a lack of education, low wage employment opportunities and even an inability to know where to go for assistance. Some parents may not have others to rely on to help watch over their kids if they have jobs or places they need to be. Families are being pushed further into low-income and limited-income. The need for the family to survive comes down to parents having to seek a second or even a third job.
"Her concerns and worries included how to get her kids to school, their next meal, who can she turn to give them a place to stay."
- Shantana Smith, Northside Milwaukee
Shantana Smith, a Black single mother, was not able to pay three months of rent, was being evicted from her home. Her concerns and worries included how to get her kids to school, their next meal, who can she turn to give them a place to stay. Smith resides in the North Side, a part of Milwaukee that is known to be impoverished, and listed as a Milwaukee community with a poverty rate of 27.4% by welfareinfo.org. By race, with a Black population of 229,460, 36.3% fell within this poverty rate. 31.7% of Milwaukee’s Asian population of 23,366 fell within this poverty rate. The White population of 204,541 was discovered to have 14.6% falling within the poverty rate.
Single parent households are nothing new and because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the struggles for these households increased heavily. Fortunately, Milwaukee is home to organizations that will help single parents find jobs and get the additional help they need for their families.
There are many assistance programs offered by the state of Wisconsin to assist single mothers, low-income, and poverty-stricken families, especially during the pandemic.
The Wisconsin Department of Health offers financial aids and insurances for many types of households.
Wisconsin Badger Care Plus offers free to low-cost health care coverage.
Food Share Wisconsin provides monthly benefits for limited income.
Wisconsin Shares is a subsidy program to help low-income working families pay for child care.
Grants and financial aid are also offered by universities and colleges for adults who return to school.
Mount Mary University offers mothers, single-mothers, and parents’ programs and studies as they encourage secondary and higher education.
About the Author
Inpanat Douangvilay
A Mount Mary University nursing student with multifaceted interests ranging from sports to writing to traveling. An eclectic person to conversate with and friendly. Inspired to join the English journalism class to share with others about the many possibilities to helping beautiful earth. Also a proud foodie.
Kommentarer