One author and psychoanalyst writes that mothers, especially for infants, "need to be there as much as possible, both physically and emotionally, for children" in the first 3 years of life.  Oxytocin, the so-called "love hormone" is produced by mothers when they give birth, breastfeed or otherwise nurture their children. This hormone is passed directly to the child through eye contact, touch and gentle talk--and the more mom produces, the more the baby produces. This allows the baby's brain to develop oxytocin receptors, which helps the baby develop emotional self-regulation later in life.

Fathers are just as beneficial and necessary to infant development. Research shows, "paternal involvement plays a role in reducing child mortality and morbidity, and improving social, psychological and educational outcomes."

Not only do babies benefit from having both parents in their lives, babies and children of all ages benefit when both mom and dad are living in the home.

Research from ACPeds and from other sources show that the married mother and father family unit...

• provides better physical and mental health for children and adults,
• leads children to do better in school,
• makes them more likely to graduate and attend college, and
• provides protection from poverty, antisocial behavior, and physical abuse

• live longer, healthier lives both physically and mentally,
• are less likely to be in trouble with the law,
• are less likely to drink or do drugs,
• are less likely to be violent or sexually active,
• are less likely to be victims of sexual violence, and
• are more likely to have successful marriage when they are older.

The ACPeds website has a wealth of resources and information on the importance of marriage to child and adolescent health and some are listed below.

• Why Marriage Matters - ACPeds blog post with 30 science-backed benefits of marriage
• Marriage and the Family - ACPeds position statement
• The Impact of Family Structure on the Health of Children - Effects of Divorce - ACPeds position statement
• Being a Responsible Citizen by Strengthening Marriage and Family - ACPeds blog post

Though research has established the married mother-father family unit as the gold standard for insuring optimal outcomes in a child's development, the percentage of married-parent families has significantly declined over the past 50+ years, while the proportion of divorced, cohabiting, and single-parent families has risen. 

However, even after divorce or remarriage, children can and do thrive and can grow up to be successful academically, financially and even enjoy successful marriages.

For blended and single-parent families, ACPeds offers the following resources to ensure optimal child development.

• Tips for Stepfamily Success
• Tips for Single Parents