However, many of us have the preconceived notion that we will be good parents because it is “instinctual.” “Mothers are by nature nurturers. Fathers are protectors and the wage earners.” We also believe that only when we are married and two parents are in the home, should we have children. That has been society’s “norm.” However, in our current society, not all families fit the “norm” of family or parenting. 2014 statistics show that 30% of families in Winnebago County are single parent families. Does this mean, then, that a single parent isn’t going to be a good parent? Not at all. It only means that being a single parent will be that much harder.
Many of the clients who come to Bella are: College students (40%); Teens (22%); 25 years old and older (39%). They may also be from another culture. There may be additional factors of alcoholism, drug use, lacking a father or mother in the home, or bo ...