The Changing Face of Family Life

The family is changing in America today, like it or not. Let's take a look at some of the most significant changes taking place today. It is important for Christians to understand and respond to these changes in ways that don't compromise the truths of the gospel, but make the gospel more effective in speaking to the way family functions today.
Delaying Marriage: The average age of first marriage for men today is now 27 years old, and for women, it is now 25 years of age. During the 1970's, married couples in their 20's were the majority, but are now not the norm. For people in their 20's, the nrom is for them to be unmarried. For people in their 30's and 40's, a larger minority, 1/3, are single or divorced. Because so many other aspects of young adult life are affected by marital status, including the timing and having of children, housing needs, jobs and economic demands, and relationships with parents and friends, this is a tremendously significant shift in American family life. When it comes to faith, religious practice is especially influenced by marrying, settling down, and raising children. Individuals who marry are more likely to attend religious services regularly than those who delay marriage.
Having Fewer Kids and Having Them Later in Life: Because of the first factor, delayed marriage, married couples are having fewer children, and having them later in life. The average number of births per woman is 2, and 19% of women now have no children. The median age when women give birth has never been higher, 24.5 years of age, and more women age 35 t0 39, and 40 to 44 are having children. A century ago, women in their 30's and 40's would be giving birth to their fourth or fifth child, now it is their first or second.
Decreasing Number of Children in a Two-Parent Home: In 2006, 67% of children were living with both parents, a decline of 18% in 20 years. In 2006, 29% were living with one parent, a 16% increase in the last 20 years. This is another very disturbing trend as every child developes best with a mom and a dad.
In my next post, I will share some additional changes in family life today, and conclude this series with how you as an individual, and the church as a whole can respond in a meaningful way.
Blessings,
Dr. Paul