Final answer:
The statement that fathers are usually the custodial parents after divorce is false. Mothers are more often the custodial parents, and strong parent-child relationships are important for a child's adaptation to divorce.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement 'After divorce, fathers are usually designated the custodial parent' is false. Statistical evidence suggests that mothers are more often the custodial parents following a divorce.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly three-fourths of children of divorced parents live in a household headed by their mother. It has been observed that boys who live with or have joint custody arrangements with their fathers tend to show less aggression, and girls in joint custody or living with their mothers tend to be more responsible and mature. A strong parent-child relationship is crucial for a child's positive adjustment to divorce.
Regarding the societal shifts in family structure, Census statistics show that children from homes with both parents typically have more financial and educational advantages compared to those from single-parent homes. Children with divorced parents generally have more advantages than those living with parents who never married, and this is particularly true for children residing with divorced fathers.
These findings suggest that while mothers remain the majority of single parents, the presence of fathers—whether in single or joint custody scenarios—plays an important role in a child's well-being and development.