The Strengths of Poor Families

                                                  

 

Family Routines and Relationships Strengthen Poor Families

Although poor families experience socioeconomic disadvantages, these families may be strengthened by their family routines and relationships, according to a new Child Trends brief.  The Strengths of Poor Families analyzes data for more than 100,000 families from the 2003 National Survey of Children's Health to find the similarities and contrasts between poor and more affluent families. 

Among the findings: 

• Poor families do not differ from more affluent families in many ways, such as in the closeness of their relationships and the frequency of outings together or attending religious services.
• Poor families are at a disadvantage when it comes to having health and dental insurance, and are more likely to express concerns about their neighborhoods.  In addition, poor children have fewer stories read to them at home.
• While parents in poor households express concerns about neighborhood safety in general, they are just as likely to report feeling that their child is safe at home or at school as are parents who are better off.
• Families in poverty are somewhat more likely to eat meals together, a family routine that contributes to child well-being.

RELATED WORK FROM CHILD TRENDS:

 

Exploring The Links Between Family Strengths and Adolescent Outcomes (Child Trends Research Brief)