Single mom myths are all-too-prevalent in our society. Get the facts about single mom statistics and begin breaking down these misconceptions.
This popular myth is unfounded when you look at actual single parent statistics. According to According to Custodial Mothers and Fathers and Their Child Support: 2007, a report released by the U.S. Census Bureau in November, 2009, only 25.8% of single moms are younger than 30. In fact, the majority of single moms (39.1%) of single moms are 40 years old or older.
This is another assumption that many people make about single moms. In reality, only 31.5% of single custodial parents - both men and women - receive some form of public assistance. In addition, the program that used to be known as "welfare" (Aid to Dependent Families) is now called "Temporary Assistance to Needy Families," or "TANF." In 2007, only 4.3% of custodial single parents received TANF, and 21.2% received food stamps.
This is another popularly-held myth about single moms. The truth is that, in 2007, 49.8% of custodial single moms worked full-time, and 29.7% worked either part-time or part-year.
Here's another myth:the idea that the majority of single moms are single because they are irresponsible, either when it comes to using birth control or in relationships.The truth is that no birth control is 100% effective, with the exception of abstinence, so failed birth control is not to blame for every unplanned pregnancy. In addition, the majority of single moms (45%) are single because of a divorce - in many cases, a divorce they never asked for in the first place.
Single Mom Myth #1: She's Young
This popular myth is unfounded when you look at actual single parent statistics. According to According to Custodial Mothers and Fathers and Their Child Support: 2007, a report released by the U.S. Census Bureau in November, 2009, only 25.8% of single moms are younger than 30. In fact, the majority of single moms (39.1%) of single moms are 40 years old or older.
Single Mom Myth #2: She Receives Public Assistance From the Government
This is another assumption that many people make about single moms. In reality, only 31.5% of single custodial parents - both men and women - receive some form of public assistance. In addition, the program that used to be known as "welfare" (Aid to Dependent Families) is now called "Temporary Assistance to Needy Families," or "TANF." In 2007, only 4.3% of custodial single parents received TANF, and 21.2% received food stamps.
Single Mom Myth #3: She Doesn't Work
This is another popularly-held myth about single moms. The truth is that, in 2007, 49.8% of custodial single moms worked full-time, and 29.7% worked either part-time or part-year.
Single Mom Myth #4: She's Irresponsible
Here's another myth:the idea that the majority of single moms are single because they are irresponsible, either when it comes to using birth control or in relationships.The truth is that no birth control is 100% effective, with the exception of abstinence, so failed birth control is not to blame for every unplanned pregnancy. In addition, the majority of single moms (45%) are single because of a divorce - in many cases, a divorce they never asked for in the first place.
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