In addition to the factors referred to earlier as being determinants of children's well being, a number of other are discussed in this report on Income and Child Well-Being. Abusive parents are often victims of abuse during their own early years and frequently have difficulty managing stress once they become parents themselves. In fact, low-income parents are twice as likely as those with high incomes to have experienced childhood traumas such as alcohol or drug abuse, physical abuse, or expulsion from the home for misbehavior. Parents experiencing chronic stress are far more likely to be distracted, hostile, and abusive towards their child than parents who feel happy are and in control of their lives. Children, who frequently change schools , have lower math scores, more grade failures and higher levels of behavioral problems, than children who stay in the same school for several years.
Negative behaviors are strong indicators that a child is headed for trouble, in teen or adult years.
One of the most basic skills that children need in order to succeed in school is the ability to use language . Those unable to use language well are less likely to meet the learning requirements of their age group. Children who read for pleasure are building important learning skills. Vocabulary development, spelling and the proper use of grammar are all accentuated through increased reading. Participation in sports, clubs, taking music, dance or art lessons are way in which young people can participate in their community, learn new skills and socialize beyond their family boundaries.