American
families have changed dramatically since the 1960s. Whereas two parent
households were the norm several decades ago, today families come in a
variety of shapes and sizes that can present unique challenges to the
stability and long-term development of children if not managed
carefully.
According
to current data, about 28 percent of households are headed by a single
parent. Because of higher rates of divorce or births outside of
marriage, roughly half of all children will at some time live in a
single-parent home. In addition, many more children now live with
parents who are cohabiting rather than married, a situation that can
present an uncertain environment for children in the earliest years if
partners change frequently.
But
shifting family structures are only part of the instability that young
children can experience. Even in homes with married biological parents,
sudden changes like job loss may result in unmanageable stress for young
children. The stress that accompanies major family shifts, such as
dramatic income loss, changes in housing, sudden loss of contact between
parents and children, or increased parental anxiety can prove harmful
to the emotional and mental development of young children.
This
is because during the first five years of life, children are still
developing the mental, social and emotional tools to handle high levels
of stress. In fact, studies have found that family instability exacts a
heavier toll on children from birth to the end of kindergarten than to
older children.
Sudden
changes to family structure and households can contribute to difficulty
sleeping in young children, behavioral problems, as well as poorer
health outcomes later in life, such as obesity and asthma.
While
there are no easy answers to these challenges – especially in relation
to work outside the home, or serious life events, like divorce, that
result in single-parenthood – there are ways parents can mitigate the
negative effects of family instability.
As
researchers at the Urban Institute conclude, parents can foster close
relationships with friends and relatives, use consistent but sensitive
discipline, and maintain consistency in scheduling and child care so
children know what to expect from an early age.
For
example, research shows that a consistent bedtime for babies and young
children is critical for healthy brain development and lends order and
stability to their lives. Likewise, finding time to talk with young
children, while engaged in other activities like meal preparation or
diaper changes, can help with bonding and vocabulary development, and
increases quality family time.
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