OPINION:
Families today face a whirlwind of obstacles, from soaring housing costs and childcare expenses to the constant juggle of work and home life. Household expenses are outpacing income for many, piling stress on both single and dual-income homes.
Cultural trends have also shifted. Fewer people are getting married, while cohabitation has become more common. In some spaces, the nuclear family faces skepticism, often viewed as old-fashioned or irrelevant.
Yet, when the nuclear family is thriving, it offers a foundation of spiritual, intellectual, and emotional stability that ought to be advanced to ensure a flourishing future for the United States.
Every household, including single-parent, multigeneration, blended and more, brings something special to the table. Each structure can reflect dedication, love and care, contributing to both personal growth and a strong, flourishing family. Among these, however, the nuclear family, where a married couple raises their children together, stands out for its ability to nurture economic stability and emotional resilience in today’s complex world.
Nuclear families often have a built-in advantage when it comes to financial resilience. In 2023, 28% of single-family households in the United States lived below the poverty line, while only 6% of married-couple households did. This isn’t to downplay the incredible resilience of single-parent or extended families. Rather, it underscores how the nuclear family’s shared responsibilities and income create a strong framework for tackling economic hurdles.
Beyond finances, couples who share parenting duties often report less stress, better balance and stronger connections with each other. This stability ripples outward, boosting children’s mental health, school performance and social skills. While single-parent and extended families pour immense love into their homes, the nuclear family’s structure is uniquely designed to foster emotional support in a fast-moving world. It’s good for society to recognize that nuclear families have the best outcomes and to want that for ourselves, our families and our communities.
Scripture offers a clear vision of the nuclear family and why it’s desirable. Genesis 2:24 sets the stage, saying, “a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” We are also told that children are a blessing from God (Psalm 127:3-5) and parents are entrusted with raising them in faith (Ephesians 6:1-4).
The organization that I lead, Victorious Family, is a non-profit, faith-driven organization dedicated to helping families flourish. We offer practical tools like workshops, resources and online sessions to strengthen families. Our mission is to equip and empower parents to disciple their children as we are directed to in Scripture.
In my book, “Do Your Children Believe? Becoming Intentional About Your Family’s Faith and Spiritual Legacy,” I present a step-by-step process to create a personalized family plan that works for all types of families and children of all ages, including those with adult children passing on the legacy to the next generation.
The significance of fortifying the family to secure human flourishing cannot be overstated. It is within these family structures that children learn spiritual principles and are fostered in an environment where faith is lived well. The family, as the fundamental unit, must be fortified with intentional guidance, where parents serve as the spiritual architects shaping the next generation.
By embracing biblical values and utilizing community resources like those from Victorious Family, we can build families that are spiritually vibrant, emotionally grounded and financially secure, and who are creating a legacy for generations to come.
• Terence Chatmon is the president and CEO of Victorious Family, a family discipleship training and resource organization.
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