NEW YORK, March 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Meredith
Corporation's (NYSE: MDP) PARENTS LATINA announces the results
of its first study on Latina single moms revealing that single moms
feel most challenged when it comes to balancing work and home life
with 35% reporting that it is the hardest part of being a single
mom, followed by lack of time for self-care or alone time (34%) and
managing finances (30%). The April/May issue of PARENTS
LATINA includes findings and analysis of this study, providing
insights on the preferences, habits, rewards, challenges and
misconceptions about single motherhood.
According to the study, nearly half (46%) of Latina single moms
try to balance their lives by spending time with family. Many also
rely on exercising (38%), spending time with friends (34%), prayer
or spirituality (33%) and connecting via social media (26%). Single
moms also lean on their families for support: 60% report that they
rely on their parents, 25% reach out to siblings and 20% seek help
from grandparents. Thirty-six percent say they reach out to friends
for support.
Time spent in an average week by single moms:
- Parenting or with kids: 45%
- Work: 23%
- Household chores: 15%
- Extended family: 8%
- Social life: 7%
- Dating: 3%
Grace Bastidas, Editor in Chief
of PARENTS LATINA, said, "I have tremendous respect and
admiration for single moms. I was raised by one and saw first-hand
the sacrifices my mother made to get us ahead. This study shines a
light on the challenges Latina single moms face and
provides insight into their unique parenting perspectives. While it
takes determination, passion and perseverance to bring up kids
on your own, the study shows that single moms find it incredibly
rewarding. And although many single mothers bear most of
the responsibility, it's important they know that they're not
alone."
The love and close bond with their kids is the No.1 most
rewarding part of being a single mom (41%), followed by the feeling
of accomplishment and empowerment that comes from handling it all
on their own (20%) and the freedom to do things their way and make
decisions on their own (12%). Latina single moms are most likely to
describe themselves as strong (30%), multi-tasker (26%) and
determined (17%).
Single moms' biggest concern for their kids:
- Safety (41%)
- Mental health (39%)
- Lack of strong role models/father figure (35%)
- Education (31%)
- Bullying (26%)
If single moms had more time and money, they'd most like to do
the following for their kids:
- Go on a family vacation (53%)
- Explore more of their interests (36%)
- Save for education (33%)
- Buy a house or a better house (29%)
- Attend more family-fun local activities (19%)
When it comes to breaking their own rules, single moms find
themselves being most lenient with their kids in the following
areas:
- Screen time (33%)
- Junk food (22%)
- Daily routine (16%)
- Chores (13%)
- Discipline for poor behavior (12%)
Among those who co-parent, 6 in 10 report they are very
successful at it even when dealing with the challenges that come
with it. Having different parenting styles is one of the
hurdles that co-parenting presents, with 43% of Latina single moms
reporting this as a primary obstacle. Other primary challenges are
the lack of or poor communication (41%) and keeping a regular and
consistent schedule (37%).
The study also asked Latina single moms open-ended questions
about their views on single motherhood misconceptions. Respondents
feel that they are often blamed for their situation, or that others
believe they cannot successfully raise a child without the
assistance of a partner or outside help. According to Ernestina Perez, a Mexican-American therapist
and founder of Latinx Talk Therapy, in Chicago, who is quoted in the April/May issue
of PARENTS LATINA, "There's a lot of stigma around single
motherhood in the Latino community because of traditional gender
norms that view men as the protectors and financial providers, and
women as the selfless, do-it-all caretakers." However, she notes
that more and more single mothers are beginning to redefine for
themselves what it means to be Mami. "As women get further in their
careers and education, expectations are changing," she says.
"Latina single moms have always been very resilient. But this new
generation is learning to speak up for themselves to get what they
want."
PARENTS LATINA offers advice for single moms to deal with some
of the challenges they face, with tips on building a support
network, making time for yourself, and more.
Visit www.parents.com/singlemamis to read the full
article.
Survey Methodology: An online survey was fielded by the Meredith
Data Studio between March 12 - April 1,
2020 with 439 English-speaking, single Latina moms who have
a child 12 years or younger and are not living with a spouse,
partner, or significant other.
ABOUT PARENTS LATINA
PARENTS LATINA supports,
empowers, and inspires Latino parents as they raise good
people rooted in their family's heritage. Reaching an audience of
3.4 million through its bi-monthly magazine, as well as
its digital and social offerings, PARENTS LATINA connects
readers to their community, bolsters cultural pride, and
encourages moms and dads to honor and celebrate
traditions with their children. PARENTS LATINA is part of Meredith
Corporation's (NYSE: MDP) PARENTS Network.
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SOURCE Meredith Corporation