Single-parent homes are practically becoming the norm in today’s society, and the stress carried by these strong individuals managing the roles of both parents seems to be taking a toll on the family unit. It is currently estimated that there are over 13 million single parents in the United States.
Abandonment, death, divorce or separation constitute the bulk of the circumstances behind why so many families are left with one parent in the household. Single parents shoulder the sole responsibility of providing financially and emotionally for their kids and this can be a daunting prospect in these economic times. A single parent is considered to be the custodial guardian when the child lives with and is provided primarily for by them, so even though the other parent might be in the picture, that doesn’t change the burden placed upon the single parent.
Being a single parent implies sacrifice on the parent’s part, and they often sacrifice their personal education in order to maintain and provide for their families. This doesn’t have to be an either/or situation, investigating degree programs online through search engines will show you that by going back to school and furthering your education you are positioning yourself for increased financial success.
You wonder, “How am I supposed to finance this education that will increase my salary?” The answer is through the government. The government has specific grants available to single-parent households in order to help them offset the financial burdens of being a parent without a partner and furthermore, they help parents return to school to increase their financial possibilities once they hit the workforce.
The government has set up several programs to help parents combat the dangerous statistics that accompany being a single-parent household; statistics such as increased teen pregnancy, higher incarceration rates, and higher drug and substance abuse ratios. Don’t think of it as a selfish act to pursue an education for yourself, consider it an investment to establish a better financial and emotional situation for you and your children.
If you are considering continuing your education, one of the first things you must do is apply for financial aid by completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid); this application determines your financial need. Since the application can be completed online, additional time spent searching online accredited degrees will also be helpful to prepare you for your next steps. One must also visit their local city hall to fill out applications in order to establish whether the government can assist by offering other need-based grants to the individual.
One should not stop there either; investigate the institutions you’re considering applying for to determine whether they offer their own grants specifically designed for the single parent or any other criteria that applies to you personally. The Internet is also a wonderful resource for obtaining information on a variety of grant programs sponsored by private or non-profit corporations.
Financial stability is one of the greatest concerns for single parents and rightfully so. If you’re dealing with a precarious money situation it is difficult to cultivate security and contentment within your children because you’re always concerned about what the next day will hold. With the help of grants, single parents can attain a solid education which will place them in a more secure financial foundation. Parents will be able to focus on the things that really matter, their children’s overall well-being. Begin researching graduate school scholarships to build your confidence by knowing what’s needed to obtain your degree.
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