Demographers tell us that we're in the midst of a redefinition of the American family. The data from last year's census showed that married couples, with or without children, comprise a lower percentage of American households than ever before. And, at least one-third of these have a minor child living in the home. There was also a rise in single-parent households. The erosion of the two-parent family has consequences that affect all of us especially our kids.
Demographers cite several possible reasons for the changes.
The first is divorce. Although the divorce rate has leveled off, it remains at historically high levels. People are also postponing and even foregoing marriage. And that erosion has consequences that affect all of us especially our kids. But even when abuse isn't an issue, the uncommitted nature of such a relationship affects the child.