Children’s well-being is a top priority for any society, and research has shown that the presence of involved and supportive parents is crucial for children’s success. However, some families may struggle with absent parents, which can have negative impacts on children’s development. In this article, we will delve into why it is essential for society to prioritise and support families, particularly those with absent parents.

Research has shown that parental involvement has a significant impact on children’s academic achievement, behaviour, and social skills. Children with involved parents tend to have higher academic success, better school attendance, and fewer behavioural problems. Additionally, children with supportive parents have better emotional regulation skills and are more likely to develop healthy relationships.

Prioritise support for children with absent parents

However, not all families have the luxury of both parents being involved in their children’s lives. In many cases, parents may be absent due to various reasons, including work demands, divorce, or incarceration. Unfortunately, children who grow up without one or both parents may have a higher risk of negative outcomes, such as lower academic achievement, behavioural problems, and social isolation.

It is crucial for society to prioritise and support families, particularly those who may be struggling with absent parents, to ensure that children have the best chance at a successful future. This support can come in various forms, such as community programs that provide mentorship and support for children and families, parenting classes that teach parents how to be more involved and supportive, and policies that support work-life balance for working parents.

Seek family therapy

One particularly effective approach is family therapy, which can help both parents and children cope with the challenges of parental absence. Family therapy is a form of counselling that involves all members of the family, with the goal of improving communication, understanding, and support among family members. Family therapy can help children and parents build stronger relationships, build resilience, and develop coping skills to deal with the challenges of parental absence.

1 in 4 children in the United States grow up in a home without a father figure, and approximately 1 in 3 children live in a home without a biological father present.

US Census Bureau

This highlights the importance of understanding the impact that absent parents can have on children’s development.

The role of fathers/ mothers in child development

Research has shown that fathers/ mothers play unique roles in their children’s emotional and cognitive development. For example, a study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family found that

fathers who were involved in their children’s lives had children with better academic performance and fewer behavioural problems than those whose fathers were not involved.

Journal of Marriage and Family

Mothers, on the other hand, have been found to play a crucial role in their children’s emotional development, particularly in the formation of secure attachment bonds.

Negative effects of absent parents

Not having one or both parents present can lead to negative outcomes for children. For instance, a study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that

children who grow up without a father are more likely to drop out of school, have behavioural problems, and face an increased risk of incarceration. Additionally, children who grow up without a mother have been found to experience higher rates of depression and anxiety.

National Bureau of Economic Research

Benefits of Two-Parent Households

Studies have shown that growing up with two involved parents leads to better outcomes for children. For example, a study published in the Journal of Family Psychology found that

children who lived with both biological parents had higher self-esteem, better social skills, and improved mental health compared to children who did not.

Journal of Family Psychology

Additionally, a report by the National Fatherhood Initiative found that

children who grow up with involved fathers are more likely to have better educational outcomes and be more successful in their careers.

National Fatherhood Initiative

Co-parenting after separation/ divorce

It is important for separated or divorced couples to prioritise co-parenting for their child’s well-being. This means working together to make decisions in the child’s best interest, maintaining open and respectful communication, and ensuring that both parents remain involved in the child’s life.

Research has shown that children who have positive relationships with both of their parents after a
divorce or separation have better outcomes in terms of emotional well-being and academic performance.

The role of BOTH parents is crucial

In conclusion, the role of parents in children’s development is crucial, and the absence of one or both parents can have negative effects on children’s academic, emotional, and behavioural outcomes.

It is important for all families, whether together or apart, to prioritise healthy relationships between both mother and father figures. This means ensuring that both parents remain involved in their child’s life, even if they are no longer together. By doing so, we can help ensure that children have the best chance at a healthy and successful future. Society should prioritise and support families to ensure that children grow up in an environment that promotes their well-being.

In today’s digital world, it’s all too easy for children to come into contact with strangers online, and it’s important to ensure that our children understand the risks associated with this.

Here are 5 simple tips that parents can use to help their children stay safe online:

1. No ‘Stranger’ Friends Online

It’s important to talk to your children about the dangers of speaking to strangers online and encourage them to be aware of who they are talking to. Reinforce the message that if someone online makes them feel uncomfortable or scared, they should tell you or another trusted adult immediately..

2. Advise them to NEVER to give out personal info

Advise your children to never give out personal information such as their address, phone number, or social media accounts to anyone online.

3. Build trust so they confide in you

Remind your children that if someone online makes them feel uncomfortable or scared, they should tell you or another trusted adult immediately.

4. Warn about opening files from strangers

Make sure your children understand the importance of not clicking on unknown links or downloading any files from people they don’t know.

5. Remind them NEVER to meet stranger…

Remind your children that they should never meet up with anyone they’ve met online, no matter how well they may know them. This could be a way for someone to gain access to their personal information.

Conclusion – Practice

Parents can help children develop these skills by providing them with opportunities to practice. For example, parents can encourage children to practice their conversational skills by talking about their day with them or by engaging in conversations about current events or topics of interest.

Parents can also give children choices to help them practice making decisions, such as which activity to do or what to have for dinner.

In addition, parents can help children develop their critical thinking skills by asking open-ended questions or discussing solutions to problems with them.

They can also provide age-appropriate books or games that help children practice thinking logically or reasoning through problems.

Finally, parents can model good communication and decision-making skills for their children, so that they can learn by example.

By taking these steps, parents can ensure that their children stay safe online and develop the skills necessary to make good decisions.

Separation and divorce can be difficult and emotional experiences, especially when children are involved. During this time, parents may become more focused on their own needs and interests, leading to conflicts that can harm the well-being of their children.

To minimize the impact of separation on children, it’s important for parents to prioritize their children’s best interests and find ways to resolve conflicts effectively.

1. Communication

Keeping an open line of communication with your ex-partner is crucial in resolving conflicts. Try to have regular, respectful and non-confrontational conversations to discuss your concerns and find solutions.

2. Seek mediation

If you are unable to resolve conflicts on your own, consider seeking the help of a mediator. A neutral third party can assist you in coming to an agreement that is in the best interest of your children.

3. Engage with Your Readers

Put your children first! It’s important to remember that your children should always be your top priority. When making decisions about your children’s care, think about what is best for them, not what is best for you.

4. Be flexible

Separation and divorce can be a time of significant change for children. Be willing to make changes to your parenting plans if they are in your children’s best interests.

5. Seek legal advice

If you need help resolving a conflict, consider seeking the advice of a legal professional. They can help you understand your rights and responsibilities, and provide guidance on the best course of action.

6. Seek support

It’s important to seek support during this time. Consider seeking help from friends, family, or a therapist to help you manage your emotions and make decisions that are in the best interest of your children.

Conclusion: Put the child(ren) first!

In conclusion, resolving parental separation conflicts in the best interest of children requires cooperation, communication, and putting the needs of the children first.

These are some of the ways, you work together to provide a stable and supportive environment for your child(ren) during and after separation.

Parenting is a challenging but rewarding experience that requires immense responsibility. As parents, it’s our duty to provide for and nurture our children while instilling values that will help them become successful adults.

Here are some reasons why parental responsibility is crucial in raising successful children:

1. Sets the Foundation for Life Skills

Parents play an essential role in teaching their children basic life skills such as communication, problem-solving, decision-making, and time management. These skills are critical to success both academically and professionally.

2. Shapes Character Development

Parents have a significant impact on shaping their child’s character development by modelling positive behaviours such as honesty, integrity, empathy and kindness which helps build resilience when faced with challenges later on.

3. Builds Self-Esteem

Children who grow up with supportive parents tend to have higher self-esteem than those who don’t receive adequate support from their caregivers or feel neglected at home.

4. Encourages Academic Success

Research has shown that parental involvement plays a vital role in academic achievement among students; hence taking an active interest in your child’s education can lead to better grades overall academic
performance resulting ultimately into greater opportunities later on like college admissions or job prospects down the line!

5. Fosters Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence refers to one’s ability to recognize emotions within themselves and others while regulating them effectively; this skillset comes from having healthy relationships modelled by responsible parenting practices helping kids develop these important social-emotional competencies early-on set them up well for future success.

Be a positive influence!

Parental responsibility is critical not only because it shapes how our children view themselves but also influences how they interact with others throughout life making it imperative we take care of these responsibilities seriously if we want happy healthy families leading towards prosperous futures together!

In today’s fast-paced world, families are often busy with work, school, extracurricular activities and
other commitments that leave little time for quality family bonding. However, spending time
together as a family has numerous benefits for mental health and well-being.

Here are 5 reasons why family time is essential:

1. Builds stronger relationships

Family time provides an opportunity to build stronger relationships among members of the household by engaging in shared experiences such as playing games or having meals together creating memories that last a lifetime.

2. Reduces stress levels

Spending quality time with loved ones can help reduce stress levels because it allows us to take our minds off daily pressures while providing emotional support from those closest to us.

3. Improves communication skills

Regularly spending meaningful moments together helps improve communication skills within the household; this includes active listening abilities along with expressing oneself effectively leading towards better understanding one another’s perspectives & needs helping resolve conflicts more easily when they arise.

4. Encourages healthy habits

Families who spend their free-time doing physical activities like hiking or biking create healthy habits leading towards overall wellbeing physically mentally spiritually which sets them up well throughout life!

5. Promotes Positive Self-Esteem

Positive self-esteem comes from feeling valued by others around you; therefore investing into positive experiences through regular family bonding sessions creates a sense of belongingness making everyone feel appreciated ultimately boosting confidence levels among all involved parties!

Conclusion – Why family time is CRUCIAL

Family time is crucial not only because it builds stronger relationships but also encourages healthier lifestyles promoting overall mental wellness both individually & collectively across generations if practiced regularly over extended periods of times! So make sure to prioritize your schedule accordingly carving out special moments just for your loved ones creating long-lasting memories.

In practical terms, consideration may involve simple acts such as listening attentively when someone
speaks to us or helping out with household chores without being asked.

It may also mean refraining from saying hurtful things during arguments or making compromises when conflicts arise.

Showing consideration requires empathy – the ability to put ourselves in another person’s shoes and
understand how they feel. Empathy allows us to respond appropriately to others’ emotions by offering support or comfort when needed.

Mr D P – Leader at CNB

When parents, whether together or apart, prioritise showing each other respect through acts of kindness and understanding instead of focusing solely on individual wants, needs, and desires; it leads them towards healthier
communication patterns which further strengthen their bond over time.

5 specific ways in which consideration can be practiced:

1. Listen ‘actively’

When someone speaks to you, it is essential that you give them your full attention and actively listen to what
they have to say. This means avoiding distractions like phones or television.

Ask questions or clarify points if necessary.

2. Understand Boundaries

Every member of the family has their own boundaries that need to be respected.

It is important not to overstep these boundaries by being too intrusive or demanding.

3. Share and accept responsibilities

Families work best when everyone pitches in with household chores and other responsibilities.

By sharing tasks, we show consideration for each other’s time and energy levels.

4. Avoid hurtful words:

During arguments or disagreements, it can be easy to lash out with hurtful words that we later regret saying.

Instead of attacking each other verbally, focus on finding solutions together while respecting each others’ opinions.

5. Making Time For Each Other

In today’s fast-paced world where everyone seems busy all the time; making an effort towards spending quality time with your loved ones goes a long way in showing how much you value them.

Practice empathy – Put yourself in their shoes

Practicing consideration within families leads towards healthier relationships, mutual respect & understanding between members by prioritising one another’s well-being above individual wants, needs, or desires.

It requires empathy – putting oneself into another person’s shoes – active listening skills ,understanding boundaries ,sharing responsibilities ,avoiding hurtful words during conflicts & making conscious efforts towards spending quality time together as a unit!