Parents and a Stable Home Life

I recently sat with a small group of a dozen adults who shared the stories of growing up in a home without a father. In each case, the adult shared the negative consequences and difficulties of navigating growing up without a dad. I thought about these conversations when I read a report entitled “Rebalancing Children First”, which was produced by the American Enterprise Institute and the Brookings Institution in an effort to study the challenges and opportunities facing children ages 12 and under in America. The report identifies four home environment factors that are most associated with favorable outcomes for children. First, there are two parents who are committed to one another through marriage. Second, there is a stable home life. Third, there are sufficient economic resources. And fourth, the children are welcomed by parents who actively desire to learn how to parent. God established the family at creation. Let’s glorify God by treasuring our spouses and children.