CANDIDATE NAME: Jaydan Brathwaite

CANDIDATE NUMBER: 1600760

CENTRE NAME: ST. STEPHEN’S COLLEGE

CENTRE NUMBER: 160076

YEAR OF EXAMINATION: 2023

TEACHER: SUESANN SANKAR

SUBJECT: COMMUNICATIONS STUDIES

THEME: Family issues in Trinidad and Tobago

TOPIC: An investigation into the impact of single parenting on children in Trinidad and

Tobago

TERRITORY: TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

 Table of Contents
Content Page Number
General Introduction 1
Reflection

Preface

Analysis
 General Introduction
"Family Issues in Trinidad and Tobago" are growing increasingly serious and unresolved. As

a result, this study places emphasis on the impact of single parenting on children in Trinidad

and Tobago, with the goal of drawing attention to the importance of this issue, a prevalent but

often disregarded matter. My theme was discussed in my exposition as it discussed the

detrimental effects of single parenting on children in Trinidad and Tobago. To move on, a

poem entitled “Cons of single parenting”, delves into challenges, difficulties and negative

aspects faced by single parenting and their children. The poem speaks about the physical and

psychological a child/ children goes through as a result of having a single parent. The poem

gives real-life challenges that are faced on a daily. As an aspiring social worker, I’ve been

drawn to this subject due to its compelling nature, prompting me to delve into the intricate

challenges encountered by single parents and their children. This interest aligns with my

academic pursuits and career aspirations, motivating me to explore and understand the

complexities inherent in the experiences of single-parent households. My own upbringing in

a single-parent family fuels my passion for understanding these dynamics and advocating for

families facing similar challenges.

 Reflection

“Cons of single parenting”

A twin island home, where the sky struts

Along an open shore,

A twin island home, where the sky tip toes

Upon the outstretched shore,

is

A twin island home that

Lies home to

A rocky road a single parent must endure.

A twin island home, where there are challenges of their own

Affecting the psychological and physical composition of

The children of this twin island abode.

A twin island home, where the sky struts

Along an open shore.

A twin island home, where the sky tip toes

Upon the outstretched shore,

Lies home to unresolved problem

A prevalent but often disregarded matter of the children on this twin island abode.

A twin island home, amidst the vibrant colours of carnival

And its majestic sounding steel pan section lies home to a complex tale of single

parents.
Struggles and hardships is the effects the children of single parents face

Echoing beyond the vibrant shores in this twin island abode.

But is this twin island home, really considered a home,

A difficult road, a single parent must concourse.

Many of them navigating without a planned destination

Unwary of the consequences they may cause.

High cost of living, limited job opportunities, and social stares

Contribute to the complexity a single parent must endure.

Financially constrained, posing a significant risk

Therefore impacting the future of their children,

Often causing them to drop out of school

To acquire an income for their twin island home.

But is this twin island home, really considered a home?

The absence of the other parent creating a hole.

Leading to difficulties identifying traditional gender roles.

Young boys consider adultery and violence as norms,

Often perpetuating them when they have families of their own.

In Trinidad and Tobago’s vibrant sway,

Children use education as a passage to get away,

A flickering light, dimmed by hardships relentless fight.

Unequal footing in knowledge’s flight.

 Behavioural struggles, guidance is missed.

Lacking of love, their heart is anguished.

In search they go, a chaotic twist.

In social spheres, a yearning abyss.

A twin island home, where the sky struts

Along an open shore,

A twin island home, where the sky tip toes

Upon the outstretched shore,

is

A twin island home that

Lies home to a haunting sound.

The negative effects tightly cling in single parent homes,

They echo and ring, a complex wave where hardship sings.

Physically and psychologically affecting the minds of the children

In this twin island abode.

Is this twin island home, really considered a home?

Challenges breed in this unique sphere, shaping the child’s life.

. Economic problems hider their child’s future and dreams. Is this twin island home,

really considered a home?

 Preface

Family issues in the Caribbean are infrequently addressed, leading to a growing

seriousness in their impact. Among the unresolved concerns, the significant influence

of single parenting on children in Trinidad and Tobago stands out as a paramount

issue. This poem aims to highlight the challenges and disadvantages faced by single

parents and their children as its primary purpose is to bring attention to this neglected

aspect and the hardships encountered by families in these circumstances. This poem

aims to reach the audience. The intended audience for this includes social workers,

educators, parents, families, and anyone interested in understanding and addressing

family issues, particularly the impact of single parenting on children in Trinidad and

Tobago. Additionally, individuals concerned with social welfare, mental health

professionals, and those advocating for family support and well-being might also find

this poem relevant and enlightening. The poem can be published in newspapers and

on widely-accessed social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Leveraging

these mediums is strategic for reaching a broader audience due to their extensive

reach and influence.