Children In Changing Families

This work focuses on children in families, and on what can be learnt from research examining their experiences. It documents demographic changes across several countries, and what research reveals about outcomes for children who experience parental separation and stepfamily formation. At a time when separation and divorce are at historically high rates, this book supplies much-needed insights into why some children survive change in families better than others. Sifting through international research on families undergoing change, the authors consider what can be learnt about children's experiences and well-being. The book starts by documenting demographic changes across North America, the UK, Australia and New Zealand and by outlining known outcomes for children affected by parental separation and stepfamily formation. It then goes on to address in detail children's own perceptions of family change, what happens when family transitions occur, children's experience in stepfamilies, and the hotly-debated issue of the involvement of fathers in children's lives. Finally, the authors draw out the implications of research for policy and practice. They point professionals towards multifaceted approaches to caring for children, minimising the risks and optimising the factors that promote resilience. At time when separation and divorce are increasingly common, this book supplies much-needed insights into why some children survive change in families better than others.