In families where there is a high level of conflict and animosity between parents, children are at a greater risk of developing emotional, social and behavioural problems, as well as difficulties with concentration and educational achievement.

Families provide for one another’s physical, emotional, and social well-being. Parents care for and socialize children, a function that prepares new members of society for their future roles.

Children from intact families can experience circumstances known to increase the risk of poor outcomes such as poverty, parental conflict, violence and poor parenting, whilst children whose parents separate may not experience these or can cope well, with the result that many children experiencing family breakdown will …

Slowed academic development is another common way that separation of the parents affects children. The emotional stress of a divorce alone can be enough to stunt your child’s academic progress, but the lifestyle changes and instability of a broken family can contribute to poor educational outcomes.

These can be as simple as having regular meals together, or taking holidays as a family. It is important to spend one-on-one time with each member of the family to build trust, and also to share burdens. Emotional support from the family can help alleviate stress.

Children feel secure and loved when they have strong and positive family relationships. Positive family relationships help families resolve conflict, work as a team and enjoy each other’s company. Positive family relationships are built on quality time, communication, teamwork and appreciation of each other.

Having strong ties to family and friends has long been identified as an important part of being happy and healthy. Their new study suggests that friends may be more important than family members, especially as we age. The study comes from researchers at Michigan State University.

Try these tips to strengthen the bonds within your family.

1. — Be kind to one another. Kids learn through experiences and modeling.
2. Eat dinner together. Meal time is an excellent place to share your day with your family.
3. Experience life together.
4. Enjoy a family game night.
5. Laugh.
6. Travel.
7. Show appreciation.
8. Try new things.

Research shows the most common reasons people cut ties with family include:

• Sexual, physical, or emotional abuse or neglect.
• Poor parenting.
• Betrayal.
• Drug abuse.
• Disagreements (often related to romantic relationships, politics, homophobia, and issues related to money, inheritance, or business)

Here are seven ways to pursue just that — and center your own emotional well-being in the process.

1. Get Clear. Reflect on your relationships with family.
2. Take a Breather. Sometimes space is the best option.
3. Negotiate New Terms.
4. Boundaries are Best.
5. Let Go of the Fantasy.
6. Start Fresh.
7. Focus on the Family You Build.

Fathers pay more attention to toddler daughters than sons, study shows. Fathers of toddler daughters are more attentive to their children than those of sons, according to a study that suggests unconscious gender biases can dictate the way parents treat their children.