In one- or two-parent households, what's important is to be present for the kids

Whether it is a two-parent, one-parent or blended family, what's important is for parents to provide children with a conducive, healthy and supportive environment. — Photos: Freepik

WHEN I was a practising psychologist, I had a single mother who came to me with a concern that her teenage son was depressed. She attributed his condition to not having a father figure. I explained to her that a complex combination of factors could contribute to depression, and not just because of the absence of a father.

Many variables interact with one another to contribute to the experience of depression in children and adolescents. There are biological factors such as genetics and biochemical imbalances in the brain; psychological factors which includes intelligence, thought patterns, and behavioural habits; social factors such as upbringing, family structure, education, peer group influence, presence (or absence) of social support; as well as environmental factors such as situations at home, school and in the neighbourhood.