The family's physical, mental and emotional well-being has a big impact on a child.

Family well-being is critical for young children’s physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development. 

Strong, resilient families that promote a healthy environment are essential for the development and well-being of young children. This is true for all families, and especially so for families facing risk factors such as poverty and other social challenges. Unhealthy physical environments, family violence, and child abuse and neglect can leave lifelong scars. Caring, nurturing, consistent care giving, including the active involvement of fathers, are keys to young children’s future success.

• You can find an overview of the developmental domains of young children on the Healthy Child Development page on the Better Brains for Babies website.
• The Family Health pages from the American Academy of Pediatrics addresses children’s health and well-being in the context of the family and the impact of positive family environment on children’s development.
• Fathers have a major impact on children and families. Research on the negative consequences of father’s absence and the positive impact of father involvement on the well-being of children and society is provided by the National Fatherhood Initiative.
• The effects of stress on baby’s growing brain can increase the risk of future imbalances including neurological problems and emotional disturbances. The well-documented impact of chronic stress, trauma or child abuse and neglect are likely to cause serious damage to all aspects of a child’s development.
• Infants and toddlers are particularly vulnerable to abuse and neglect, leading to devastating consequences. Building a Better World for Babies from Zero to Three describes the issue and ways to combat maltreatment of our youngest children.
• The effects of family violence, even if not directed at children, have similar impacts to child abuse and neglect. Also, children in violent families are at greater risk for abuse.
         
• For the latest research-based information about children’s safety, well-being and learning visit ParentsKnowKidsGrow to stay informed.

You can learn more about how to help support family well-being on our Practitioner Tools page.