Americans are more likely to get married, divorced and
remarried compared to people in other Western countries, statistics show. We also have more
live-in partners. But when a relationship sours, we quickly bail.
“American children face much more movement of parents and
parent-figures in and out of their households than do children anywhere else. …
Most children can cope with this much movement of people in and out of their
homes, but some of them can’t. They show more behavior problems, such as being
disobedient or, for older children, skipping school. … the lack of stability,
the number of transitions they have to adjust to, may not be good for kids. I
would guess that children who live with a single parent who quickly re-partners
but soon ends the partnership are often worse off than children who live with a
single parent who remains single.”
This tendency to marry, break up and marry
again has a lot to do with our culture, Cherlin said. Americans believe in two
conflicting ideals: We believe in the institution of marriage but we also want
personal fulfillment as individuals. People in other countries, he said, make one or the
other a priority, but not both.
Instead of promoting marriage, Americans should devote their
time making sure that children receive stable caregiving, he said. He also
advises people to “slow down” and not rush into parenthood.
What are your thoughts on the state of marriage and its
effects on children in America?
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