Childhood Outcomes

Summary of July's Top Ten Findings of Early Childhood Outcomes from familyfacts.org


1. Infants in married families are more likely to exhibit positive behavior than those whose mothers are single or cohabiting.

2. Children in cognitively stimulating home environments are less likely to exhibit hyperactive or antisocial behavior.

3. Three-year-olds who are less securely attached to their mothers are more likely to exhibit behavioral problems.

4. Children who received more sensitive care from their mothers as preschoolers tend to have stronger social skills as first graders.

5. Six-year-old boys who experience conflict in the home are more likely to engage in disruptive behaviors.

6. First graders and kindergartners whose parents attend religious services exhibit higher levels of self-control.

7. First graders and kindergartners whose parents attend religious services are less likely to experience anxiety, loneliness, low self-esteem and sadness

8. Maternal employment in the first year is associated with lower levels of cognitive development at ages three through eight

9. Children who spend more time in daycare in early childhood are more likely to exhibit behavioral problems, even through the sixth grade.

10. Among five-year-olds in child care, those who received more sensitive and stimulating care in the first three years exhibit, on average, higher cognitive ability


Some of these seem like no-brainers. Yet in an age that demeans the role of motherhood, especially the choices of stay-at-home moms, reminders and proofs of mom's significance are necessary. While many families experience crisis to the detriment of their children, there is still no substitute for even an adequate home life.