Single Mothers’ Strategies in Internalizing Moral Values in Children: A Phenomenological Study in Sembahe Baru Village, Deli Serdang

Abstract

This study examines the strategies employed by single mothers to internalize moral values in their children, while also exploring the challenges they face and the solutions they develop in the parenting process. This research adopts a qualitative approach using a phenomenological method and was conducted in Sembahe Baru Village, Deli Serdang Regency. The research informants consisted of four single mothers with school-aged children, four children, and one community leader, all of whom were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation. The findings indicate that the internalization of moral values is carried out through behavioral role modeling, the habituation of moral and religious practices, and the strengthening of warm emotional relationships between mothers and children. The main challenges faced by single mothers include limited time, physical exhaustion, and economic pressure. Nevertheless, single mothers are able to overcome these challenges through adaptive strategies, such as making effective use of quality time, building contextual communication, and maintaining consistency in values within the parenting process. This study concludes that the quality of parenting and maternal role modeling play a more decisive role in shaping children’s moral development than the mere completeness of the family structure.