Hello Everyone,

Just taking a little poll ... wondering what the numbers will ultimately look like.

Were you raised in a single or two parent home?

Please be sure to vote above and leave your comments below.

Thanks.

:heart:

Destee

I was raised in a wonderful, loving two parent home.

both

Everyone rejoice!!! After becoming a legend on the chat, Panafrica has finally decided to post on the message boards.......lol!

To respond to the poll, I was raised in a two parent home as well.

i was primarily raised alone by my mother. my mother and father separated when i was about 3, late divorced when he was to remarried, i was about 9. i spend alot of time before that with my grandmother because my father was abusive and i would be dropped off at my grandmother's house.

my mother and i lived with my sister's father a few years before she was born and he left the house when she was about 5 or 6.
her father was and still is more of a father figure than my own father.

i have no bitter feelings toward my father. in fact, i understand why he is the way he is. as i've stated on anther thread, he wasn't raised or shown how to be a father. i am closer to his offspring by his current wife than i am with him.

:angel: Fortunately, I was raised by both my mother and father.

[COLOR=red]I knew I was going to be the oddball.... Father died at 3yrs. Mother remarried at 5 yrs. Stayed with them until 15. Moved with grandparents. Left home for good at 17.... Basiclly raised myself after 7yrs of age... Strange but true....

Both biological parents.

I was "raised" by my Mother and Grandmother although there was a Father in the home. He made it quite clear his function was to pay bills and handle discipline. "Take it to your Mother" was the phrase that met report cards, school trip permission slips, etc--I guess it wasn't easy being the only rooster in the henhouse.................

Scorp.............

I was raised by a very loving and carring mother who raised 5 girls. She gave of her life to protect ours.

Remby

Wow. I felt unusual growing up. And I see I am here as well. I was raised by my father and my grandmother. My mother was a white hippy, flowergirl and my father could not see allowing her to leave him with his four obviously Black Children. We lived with him at his various white womens house over the years [still married to one of the white girls] and then he brought my grandma up from Louisianna when I was 9 years old. So we lived with my grandma and dad.

:D I was blessed to be raised by my grandmother. My mother died when I was a year old. My dad had his issues and wasn't anywhere around.....except once or twice a year when he would come visit (which at times I would have preferred he didn't) Anyway, I am sooooooo glad I had my grandmother who I called "mama." I would not have had it any other way. She showed me how to be a strong independent black woman. Maybe she showed me too well. lol

But I would never have wanted anyone else to raise me. She's been with God for almost 12 years and I love her even more than before she died because now I reflect and THAT WOMAN was a GOOD WOMAN! She took me and my three sisters. She raised her three kids, her sister's kids (can't remember how many), her daughter's two kids, and us. Strong black woman. Let me stop cause I could write y'all a book about her. I admire(d) her so and I miss her!

Some data on the Black family structure compared to families of other races:

http://aspe.hhs.gov/hsp/97trends/PF2-1.htm

:) raised by both parents...

peace

i was raised by both of my parents.

I feel in my heart that this single parent thing is a problem (for some), but do we realize how many two parent homes there really are? Are we purposely being denied those statistics. Most of my friends growing up had both parents in the home. Again we're too accepting of negative things at times....we begin to forget the positive. I believe in Black families....and we're gonna make a serious comeback. RIGHT???

I was raised in a two parent home.... I think it's very important to have both parents together and supporting their children. Not to say there aren't problems as well in a two parent home, nor that some children are better off with one parent, but I totally agree that there is a problem when the statistics show us with the greatest decline in black two parent homes .......it could be the basis for alot of problems in our community.......the foundation starts at home ....

I was lived in a two parent home until I was nine, when my parents divorced. From then my father took on the responsibility of raising my brother and I. My mother was still a part of our lives but my father remained the primary guardian.
Ps. I wouldn't have had it any other way. My home was full of love and support. My father not only showed my brother how to be a strong Black Man, but he raised me to be a strong Black woman.

I am being raised by my mother.

Mumma bless her!

Daddy?
wos that?

i was raised wit both parents even though they were not together i seen my dad on a daily basis i thank both of them for dat

I was raised in a home with two parents and two older brothers..they all help raise me...

I was raised by my mother!

I was raised by my Mother but my GrandMother also helpped raise me for a little while(r.i.p).

raised by both parents until i was 14 years old.
raised by 1 (mother) and 1/2 (dad-drugs :cry: ) parents afterwards.

I had both parents in the house .....
I feel part of the single parent problem can come from the situation in 2 parents homes sometimes......if the relationship is cold or nasty and the parents bad mouth each other to the kids, there will be misstrust of the opposite sex by the kids for sure.

both til like 7 then my momma

I was raised by my momma

Raised By Debra only.

thank God for my mother and my father who both raised me and 4 sisters and brothers. The oldest son wasn't even my father's but he still did the father thing and I love him so for taking on another man's responsibilities. We all are drug free..tho I question this sometimes..lol..and we all went to college 3 have degrees and I am still workin on mines, my older brother decided college wasn't for him but works very hard. God Bless them both.
Thanks Mom and Dad

I was raised by both parents. In my culture it is a disgrace (as it should be) to have a child out of wedlock. This is true for the man but is more so for the mother (after all it is the woman who visibly carries the shame for 9 months). It may sound wrong to some, for me to address a child as a "shame" rather than a human being; but in my culture the circumstances of that child's conception, brings dishonor to the families of both parents and marks a stain on the entire community. Yes, people it's that serious!

However, in this American culture, it is very rare (and becoming even more so) to see kids from two parent house holds. This is true for both Black and White families. That's why we're witnessing the disintegration of two family homes in favor of the "new" nuclear family. Thanx.

I was raised by both parents. In my culture it is a disgrace (as it should be) to have a child out of wedlock. This is true for the man but is more so for the mother (after all it is the woman who visibly carries the shame for 9 months). It may sound wrong to some, for me to address a child as a "shame" rather than a human being; but in my culture the circumstances of that child's conception, brings dishonor to the families of both parents and marks a stain on the entire community. Yes, people it's that serious! However, in this American culture, it is very rare (and becoming even more so) to see kids from two parent house holds. This is true for both Black and White families. That's why we're witnessing the disintegration of two family homes in favor of the "new" nuclear family. Thanx.

You are right Chukwuemeka, it has become acceptable in the African American community to have children out of wedlock (which increases the possibility on no involvement of the father). You have also proven an old point of mine....this is not a Black problem, it is unique to African Americans. Black people in Africa & the Diaspora provide for their children. We have to ask ourselves why that is becoming abnormal in America. We have to realize how this threatens our prosperity as a community, and we have to start changing our behavior (we meaning African Americans). It is estimated that between 66-70% of African American children are born out of wedlock, that is a disgrace!

Both biological parents in the home and seven children....................

Peace and Blessings

Both parents for double the butt whippins:D

Both parents for double the butt whippins:D

LOL...this is true Stepup. It is also proof of why both parents are needed. My Mother's whippins didn't hurt, and they didn't deter me from doing wrong as a young man. But if she told me that my father will "deal" with me when he gets home...that was all I needed to "straighten up, and fly right". Two parents provide a balance, that one never can.

It may sound wrong to some, for me to address a child as a "shame" rather than a human being; but in my culture the circumstances of that child's conception, brings dishonor to the families of both parents and marks a stain on the entire community.

Thank you Chukwuemeka for responding and sharing with us. Tell us please, if you don't mind, what is your "culture?"

Thanks everyone for responding!

Much Love and Peace.

:heart:

Destee

[If I'm not mistaken, I believe Chuk is Nigerian. I don't know whether he is Igbo or Yoruba.

Raised by few; Guided by none; taught by none.

Raised by my momma but my dad was still around:)

There were two parents in the home until age 7. My mother raised me, but ironically my father and I were extremely close even though he lived across town. So in essence I was raised by them both.

Raised by both parents who are still happily married after 30+ years

I was abandoned at birth and adopted by a family that had some issues but they did love me...

I was raised with both of my Biological Parents in the Home, however, I feel that I was primarily raised by my Beautiful Mother. She pretty much ruled the roost!. My Dad worked and payed the Bills but never really took interest in me and my three Brothers.Mainly me tho' 'cause atleast he had Sports in common with them. I'm a Momas' Girl for reals.

So much for cultural stereotypes.

It seems that most of the people in this thread were raised by both parents.



However I'd like to see how the age of the respondants factor into this.

For example...

Were those who came from a 2 parent home 30+ and born in the 70's when our families were more intact and there was more black love;

and were those raised by a single parent under 30 and born in a time where most AfroAmerican children are born out of wed-lock and the divorce rate is over 50%.

However I'd like to see how the age of the respondants factor into this. For example...Were those who came from a 2 parent home 30+ and born in the 70's when our families were more intact and there was more black love; and were those raised by a single parent under 30 and born in a time where most AfroAmerican children are born out of wed-lock and the divorce rate is over 50%.

I fall under the 30+ born in the 70s category! I'd also like to know what happened between then and now.

So much for cultural stereotypes.

It seems that most of the people in this thread were raised by both parents.



However I'd like to see how the age of the respondants factor into this.

For example...

Were those who came from a 2 parent home 30+ and born in the 70's when our families were more intact and there was more black love;

and were those raised by a single parent under 30 and born in a time where most AfroAmerican children are born out of wed-lock and the divorce rate is over 50%.

I was born in the early 80s, my brother in the late 70s. We came from a two-parent home.

I was raised in a 2 parent home..father passed 4 years ago...so it's a 1 parent home by circumstance.
:missu: daddy

I was born in the late 80's. My parents were in their late teens when my mother gave birth. They broke up about six months later after struggling to make it work between them. I lived with my mom and was financially supported by her. I saw my father every other weekend after he went to court for joint custody. My father has played a large role in my life, even though my mother likes to point out that he could never financially support me. They like to go back and forth about such things.*sigh* Yeah, I come from one of those broken families with the young parents who did the whole custody thing.

I was raised by my mama, then my mama and my stepfather, then just by my mama again. I never knew my biological father, and i am soooooooo ok with that.

Ironically enuff I answered this poll but never posted my opinion...

I was given up at birth by my biological Guardians

but I was raised in a two parent household by Daddy & Momma

Father wasnt always around but he did help raise me and his presence has had a great impact on my life perspective

Momma is a Queen who raised me to do my blood justice...I love them both

and I dont fall into the 30+ category... I am under 30

Ironically enuff I answered this poll but never posted my opinion...

I was given up at birth by my biological Guardians

but I was raised in a two parent household by Daddy & Momma

Father wasnt always around but he did help raise me and his presence has had a great impact on my life perspective

Momma is a Queen who raised me to do my blood justice...I love them both

and I dont fall into the 30+ category... I am under 30

You aren't in your 30s Trin-Trin? I couldn't have sworn you were...you look like it! I'm Just kidding Trin...seriously I was teasing you...don't hit me!!

I was raised in a 2 parent home..father passed 4 years ago...so it's a 1 parent home by circumstance. :missu: daddy

I didn't know you father had passed sister Nisa! I'm sorry for your loss; however, you had your fathers love...it is evident...and that is a beautiful experience!

I was born in the late 80's. My parents were in their late teens when my mother gave birth. They broke up about six months later after struggling to make it work between them. I lived with my mom and was financially supported by her. I saw my father every other weekend after he went to court for joint custody. My father has played a large role in my life, even though my mother likes to point out that he could never financially support me. They like to go back and forth about such things.*sigh* Yeah, I come from one of those broken families with the young parents who did the whole custody thing.

I was almost 30 years old before I become a father for the 1st time. When I became a father, I realized how difficult it is to raise & support children. There is no way I would have been ready for that responsibility when I was younger. Quite honestly I don't know how teen parents manage. Sodwn2earth, your father may not have had much money...a lot of people don't. But from what you described, he made the effort to be involved in your life. Although I think every man/father should do that, many don't. That he did should be commended.

Yes, he did make the effort and I'm so happy he did. I would be lost without him. I'm sure it was even harder for him because his father wasn't in his life. He had no one to immulate or look to for parental guidance. As a matter of fact, the whole of my family was raised without father figures.... every member of my family is either divorced or seperated. Scary.

I am being raised by my loving mother and my strong father. :hearts4:

All ten of us-7 girls and 3 boys were raised by both parents to be responsible and caring adults with families of our own and to remind close as siblings and care giver's of my widowed mother to this day.

Raised by a Single Woman of 3 and Proud of it.

I was Raised primarily by my Grandmother and Grandfather, and the rest of the community in which they lived.

two parent home.. with one provider..
just because my mom married.. i was still her sole responsibility.

Looking at the poll results 55% of the 82 people who responded were raised by both parents. This paints quite a different picture of the black family than is shown in mass media (as well as government stats). From reading the responses I also see many being raised by both parents. To say this revelation pleases me would be an understatement! To all who have responded to the topic, but neglected to participate in the poll, please do so....a fascinating picture of the black family is being painted here.

Looking at the poll results 55% of the 82 people who responded were raised by both parents. This paints quite a different picture of the black family than is shown in mass media (as well as government stats). From reading the responses I also see many being raised by both parents. To say this revelation pleases me would be an understatement! To all who have responded to the topic, but neglected to participate in the poll, please do so....a fascinating picture of the black family is being painted here.

Well keep in mind too that just because someone is from a single-parent home doesn't mean the other parent isn't involved in their lives. So if the poll were to take this factor into account, a different dynamic of the black family would also be shown.

I was raised by a single mother, along with my two older brothers.

single mother for 9 years...mother and step for the rest

My father passed when I was 8, so for the majority of my life I was raised by a single mother and my grandmama played a major role in my upbringing as well...we are extremely tight- it's that 3 generational thing.

My father passed when I was 8, so for the majority of my life I was raised by a single mother and my grandmama played a major role in my upbringing as well...we are extremely tight- it's that 3 generational thing.

I'm sorry to hear that your father passed, but am glad you grew up in a loving home.

I was raised by a single mother.

2 parent and I thank the lord for it.

I was raised by my grandma

I was raised by my mom and step father.

I always noticed something about my friends who came from single mother homes as being undisciplined and wild.

My friends like me who came from two parent homes were disciplined and together.

We all make mistakes regardless what kind of house we come up in.

But children who grow up without fathers are mainly hurting from discipline and self assurance.

Girls as well as boys.

Boys who become men without fathers sometimes really never become men and overact their manhood.

Girls without fathers who love them usually have low self esteem and become loose and have a hard time fiquiring out what's a real man because they don't know by example.

I was raised by my mom and step father.

I always noticed something about my friends who came from single mother homes as being undisciplined and wild.

My friends like me who came from two parent homes were disciplined and together.

We all make mistakes regardless what kind of house we come up in.

But children who grow up without fathers are mainly hurting from discipline and self assurance.

Girls as well as boys.

Boys who become men without fathers sometimes really never become men and overact their manhood.

Girls without fathers who love them usually have low self esteem and become loose and have a hard time fiquiring out what's a real man because they don't know by example.

Fathers play a significant role in both the economic and pyschological well being of their children (male and female). There have been some systematic efforts to devalue the role of fathers (especially in the African American community). However roughly three decades of decreased involvement from fathers in the African American community, has only served to demonstrate the importance of their presence. As you have stated, it is quite noticable when no father is involved in a child's life. I agree with this observation completely. After working with literally thousands of black youth over the last several years, I can easily detect who comes from a two-parent home, and who does not. It is essential that more effort is put into restoring the natural order of the black family in America. We need to be retrained to understand the importance of a two parent household, and how it contributes to the prosperity & stabilization to a community. This retraining needs to focus on both male and female responsibility as well as modern mate selection practices.

My father raised three girls to be productive Women in this world, all by himself. I had a couple of stepmothers throughout fifteen years. The first three years, my parents were married and raising us. However, there were times I wished I had my mother in my life.

My father raised three girls to be productive Women in this world, all by himself. I had a couple of stepmothers throughout 15 years. The other three years, my birth mother had custody of us. However, there were times I wished I had my mother in my life.

Always happy to hear fathers involved in their children's lives. If you wouldn't mind spicy, make sure you vote in the poll.

a-ight, of a surety, Panafrica:spinstar:

I had both parents...but it was my extended family in my childhood that taught me the meaning of family. My parents were always at each others throat with each one doing their own thing.

I was blessed to have both of my parents, 3 of my mothers sisters, three of my mothers brothers, my grandma (dad's mom) and my dad's brother, as well as a host of others in my life .... but both of my parents were in the home

I was blessed to have both of my parents, 3 of my mothers sisters, three of my mothers brothers, my grandma (dad's mom) and my dad's brother, as well as a host of others in my life .... but both of my parents were in the home

That's beautiful Ms_MochaB, thanks for sharing!

Real mother and stepfather and real father active in my life

I was raised by my mother, along with an older brother and sister.............

I was raised in fostercare and eventually by my cousin. Papa was a rollin stone, and Mom got sick over it. I love them both dearly, after all I chose them to be my parents . I gone through alot of pain and disconnectedness as a child, but a tremendous amount of groth love and acceptance now as an adult.

Peace & Love

I and my six other siblings were $$$ supported by our Aunt and Grandmother and Grandfather.....Grandfather was a Minister at his own Chaurch we spent lots of time in church .....I loved my child hood , we all dispursed at about 15 or 16 yrs old once my grandparents died and my Aunts daufgter started having her own kids then ..it was every child for them selves , we made it through the storm , Now look at some of us , just aint right ......

I was raised by a single mother along with five brothers. Our father left when I was eleven and never returned. I learned from that lesson that "life ain't fair".

I grew up watching my mother scarifice herself for the sake of me. My parents divorced when I was four, plus I am the only child. This was hard for me, because moms was always out working making ends meet while daddy was off living and having a wonderful single life. But there were times when guilt would settle in then he would come around with lots of gifts...go figure. I love him though, I love both of my parents. Being a parent now has opened my eyes to know that being a parent is hard, when you are doing it together with the other parent or by yourself. Looking through young eyes you don't quite understand why your parents act the way they do. Then when you get older you soon start to hear yourself say...hey I sound like my mother/father and try to snap out of it. Well I know I do!

I was adopted by a wonderful extensive family who believed in it takes a village so they all put a part of themselves into my upbring. I grew up in a two parent household where love abided even when it sometimes wore its working clothes and looked like my parents were crazy.

I was raised in a two parent home full of love and respect.

I was raised by both of my biological Parents.
They had one child before getting married, then the rest of us came.

Thankfully I was raised by both parents. As much respect and love that I have for my mother, I think that had my father not been around during those teenage years I may have made some bad decisions.

Shout out to fathers everywhere who play roles in their childrens lives. Dads may never get the recognition mothers get but your presence, I believe, is the greatest determining factor in the future of the black race.

Thankfully I was raised by both parents. As much respect and love that I have for my mother, I think that the had my father not been around during those teenage years I may have made some bad decisions.

Shout out to fathers everywhere who play roles in their childrens lives. Dads may never get the recognition mothers get but your presence, I believe, is the greatest determining factor in the future of the black race.

This is so very true, thanks for sharing!

I had both my mother and father in the home. Although both of my parents worked full-time, outside of the home, I was not a latchkey kid and never felt neglected.

My mother's influence and guidance was priceless, but I think that my father's positive influence was just as necessary and invaluable to the development of my female self-esteem and confidence.

I am truly fortunate.

BOTH MOMMA & DADDY

SWEETTEE

Grew up with both Mom and Dad in the home along with their tight strict family values that I appreciate now as an adult !! ..... had to be home before the street lights came on or else !!! lololololol ...

Hello Everyone,

Just taking a little poll ... wondering what the numbers will ultimately look like.

Were you raised in a single or two parent home?

Please be sure to vote above and leave your comments below.

Thanks.

:heart:

Destee


I was raised in a single parent home by my mother. My parents were together for more than a few years, but got divorced when I was very young (before 10 years old). I think I came out ok.:D

Raised by both parenst.