Healthy Marriages Impact on Children
A healthy marriage is not only beneficial for the well-being of the spouses, but also for their children. Research shows that children who grow up with married parents have significant advantages over children who do not, in various aspects of life. Some of the benefits of a healthy marriage for children are:
- Economic stability: Children with married parents are less likely to live in poverty or experience economic insecurity than children with cohabiting or single parents1,2. Married parents also tend to have higher incomes and more assets than unmarried parents3 .
- Educational achievement: Children with married parents are more likely to stay in school, have fewer behavioral and attendance problems, and earn four-year college degrees than children with cohabiting or single parents 1,2. Married parents also tend to have higher educational expectations and involvement for their children than unmarried parents3 .
- Physical and mental health: Children with married parents are less likely to suffer from malnutrition, illness, injury, or mental health problems than children with cohabiting or single parents.1,2Married parents also tend to provide better health care and emotional support for their children than unmarried parents3 .
It is clear that a healthy marriage can provide a nurturing and stable environment for young children, which can enhance their development and well-being throughout their lives. If you have concerns that your marriage might not be creating the best environment for your kids, check out MarriageTeam.org.
Sources:
1: https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ofa/programs/healthy-marriage-responsible-fatherhood/healthy-marriage
2: https://firstthings.org/marriage-benefits-children/
3: https://www.foryourmarriage.org/blogs/social-benefits-marriage/
