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.
Recently, John Stonestreet at the Colson Center recorded a commentary highlighting the importance of fathers.
Stonestreet says the research is clear: “In every possible area of child development — relationally, physically, socially, educationally, even spiritually — dads bring a unique set of contributions to the lives and wellbeing of their children.”
Social science has shown us that moms and dads both matter. Various studies have concluded children from intact families with a married mom and a dad tend to be more engaged at school, have higher cognitive scores, and show greater self-control.
In 2023, the CDC released a report showing teens who lived in a two-parent household with their biological or adoptive parents were less likely to engage in sexual activity than their peers.
And fathers in particular have a tremendous impact on their children’s spiritual formation.
Our modern culture rightly celebrates mothers. We all know mothers matter. But it’s important that we not overlook the importance of fathers as well.
You can listen to Stonestreet’s entire commentary below or read it online here.
Articles appearing on this website are written with the aid of Family Council’s researchers and writers.
Last week the Arkansas House of Representatives passed a memorial resolution in honor of Hettie Lue Brooks of Hot Springs.
Hettie went home to be with the Lord on April 2, 2025, at the age of 94.
There really are not enough words to describe Hettie’s life and ministry.
She and her husband, Don Brooks, founded Brookhill Ranch summer camp and Christian Ministries Church in Hot Springs. Hettie also led Hot Springs Women of Prayer, and she ministered to people in Belize.
Hettie was a longtime friend of the team at Family Council, and she prayed daily for Arkansas’ leaders.
It’s hard to overstate just how many lives Hettie Lue Brooks impacted in Arkansas, across America, and around the world. That’s why it is so fitting for our lawmakers to honor her legacy.
On April 10, the Arkansas House of Representatives passed H.M.R. 1012 by Reps. Mary Bentley, Alyssa Brown, Richard McGrew, Bruce Cozart, and Les Warren in memory of Hettie. The resolution reads,
WHEREAS, Hettie Lue Brooks, formerly of Hot Springs, passed away on April 2, 2025; and
WHEREAS, Hettie Lue Brooks, affectionately known as “Mim”, was a lifelong resident of Hot Springs and married Don Brooks in 1954; and
WHEREAS, Hettie Lue Brooks graduated from Hendrix College and then became the youth pastor at Grand Avenue United Methodist Church; and
WHEREAS, Hettie Lue Brooks began married life with her husband in a little house on what became Brookhill Ranch, and in her early years she taught high school for both the Fountain Lake and Jessieville school districts; and
WHEREAS, in 1964, Hettie Lue Brooks and her husband began Brookhill Ranch Summer Camp, which has ministered to thousands of children during the sixty-one (61) years since; and
WHEREAS, in 1972, Hettie Lue Brooks founded Christian Ministries Church, which recently celebrated fifty-three (53) years of ministry; and
WHEREAS, in 1980, the Lord led Hettie Lue Brooks to begin Christian Ministries Academy, which is still developing Christian young people today; and
WHEREAS, in 1986, Hettie Lue Brooks became involved with Hot Springs Women of Prayer, which just celebrated thirty-nine (39) years of praying for the City of Hot Springs; and
WHEREAS, Hettie Lue Brooks spent forty (40) years ministering to the people of Belize through an orphanage, school, and church; and
WHEREAS, for fifty (50) years, Hettie Lue Brooks hosted women’s seminars and was scheduled to host last year when she was ninety-three (93) years of age, and this was the first and only one ever canceled because of her health; and
WHEREAS, Hettie Lue Brooks was preceded in death by her husband, Don Brooks, and is survived by her children Tim, Missie, and Rodney as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and best friends,
NOW THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ARKANSAS:
THAT the House of Representatives remember Hettie Lue Brooks as an Arkansas legend who positively impacted the lives of thousands of Arkansans as well as people all over the world.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT upon adoption, a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Hettie Lue Brooks by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives.
Articles appearing on this website are written with the aid of Family Council’s researchers and writers.
