Middle-class parents value psychological traits such as happiness and curiosity and more often engage in verbal interaction with their children. There is a new book by Judith Harris that argues that peers are more influential than parents in a child's developmental process. Obviously, it is quite controversial and you are encouraged to explore the related web sites after the book review to get a more complete picture of Harris's thesis. Poverty is a problem that weakens families' abilities to cope. Those most affected by poverty are parents under 25 with preschool children, mother-only families, minority families, and elderly people who live alone.
Parents experience many hassles and crises, which take their focus off their children.
Poor housing and dangerous neighborhoods increase the stress levels of impoverished families. Homeless children suffer from emotional stress, developmental delays, health problems, school absenteeism, and poor academic performance. Child abuse and neglect are greatest when ties between the family and the surrounding community are weak. Family stress and child adjustment problems are reduced when family ties to the community are strong. Children are better adjusted emotionally and socially when their neighborhood experiences are more varied.