A new study shows what many of us have known all along: Close family relationships during the teenage years helps kids grow up to be adults who thrive in their communities.
Researchers at Columbia University tracking more than 7,000 people for two decades found teenagers with strong family connections were more than twice as likely to have rich social networks as adults.
The study showed young people from close-knit families grew up to have more friends, stronger marriages, and deeper community ties. They felt less lonely and more satisfied with their relationships.
When parents invest in their children during the crucial teenage years, kids learn how to build healthy relationships that last a lifetime. And while there are exceptions, the study underscores how safe, stable, nurturing families are more likely to help teens grow into adults who connect well with others. It’s a valuable investment that pays dividends for generations.
Articles appearing on this website are written with the aid of Family Council’s researchers and writers.
