Effects of single mother parenting on the boy child in Wassa Amenfi east municipality

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to ascertain the effects of single mother parenting on the boy child in Wassa Akropong within the Wassa Amenfi East Municipality of the Western Region of Ghana. The study adopted the description survey research design using the mixed method approach. The purposive sampling technique was used to sample a total population of 89 participants comprising 30 teachers, 38 boy children and 21 single mother parents. Instrument used for the study was two sets of self designed questionnaire for teachers and boy children and one interview guide for single mother parents. The researcher’s supervisor validated the instrument. Reliability was established with Cronbach alpha coefficient of 0.72. Data was analysed using frequency and percentages and presented in Table, bar chats and pie charts. It was also found that single parenting homes have diverse moral influences on boy-children. Diverse answers were obtained from teachers as to whether the children were rebellious to rules. It also came to light that majority of the boys engage in drug abuse but not often while some of them drop out of school. Sometimes there are delays in getting school supplies. Again, sometimes the children are not supervised in the house concerning their academic work. Furthermore, the results show that most boys from single mother homes adopts varying coping strategies to cope with their academic work including endangering their lives in an attempt to stay in school by engaging in these economic activities. Based on the findings it was recommended among other things that the Municipal Assembly should solicit for help from NGOs to aid single mothers and to support them financially. Government should set up education funds to support boys from single mother homes. The Ministry of Health in collaboration with the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) should intensify education on family life and family planning to help parents reduce the number of divorce cases.