These fact sheets on families were developed as part of the Building Strong Families research project in 2003, which Search Institute conducted in collaboration with the YMCA of the USA.
Social Support for Parents: An Important Resource for Families
The Building Strong Families poll found that parents often “go it alone.” That is, they do not regularly seek support from family, friends, or community resources. However, research shows that having a network of support helps to strengthen families, and having support from others is associated with positive outcomes for both parents and children.
Parents Expect a Lot from Themselves . . . and Little from Anyone Else
According to a poll of 1,005 parents, released by YMCA of the USA and Search Institute, parents of children and teenagers are “doing it themselves,” without the support, encouragement, and networks that make it easier for them to raise strong kids and overcome the daily challenges of parenting. Most parents interviewed generally feel successful as parents most of the time, and they do many things to help their children grow up strong and healthy. However, they say more support and affirmation from others would really help them as parents.
Attitudes Toward Parents: Mixed Messages
It is common today to point to families and parents as the foundation for raising healthy children and for building a strong community. Yet, when asked, American adults, including parents, tend to be fairly negative about parents. At the same time, most parents believe they are doing quite well as parents. These mixed messages and conflicting perceptions raise questions about whether and how parents experience encouragement and support to sustain them in their vital role in society.
Who Are Today’s Parents?
Images of families surround us, but people often know little about what families in the United States are really like. American families are very diverse, and recently changed greatly in racial composition and family structure. Most families with children consist of a married couple, but the percentage of families that are single-parent households has grown over the past 30 to 40 years. Single-parent families are relatively disadvantaged compared to married-couple families. They are more likely to have lower income and live below the poverty line.
The Influence of Parents on Children’s Thoughts, Feelings, and Behaviors
Parents play a central, but not exclusive, role in shaping the lives of their children and teenagers. Extensive research shows that parents are more influential in their children’s lives than anyone else, shaping their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Yet parents are neither the only influences nor the only ones with responsibility. Peers, other adults, genetics, the media, and various other sources also play important roles. Ideally, all these influences can work together with parents to promote young people’s healthy development.
