As we have been living our lives and raising our little kids I have begun to ask myself questions about the "traditional" family structure here in the US.
Is it ideal or healthy for a "nuclear family", let alone a single parent family, without an extended family to raise young kids? Obviously plenty of couples and single parents do it without dire consequences for them or their kids. However, speaking generally is it a good idea to do it without outside help? Is it reasonable to expect the full burden of childcare to fall on the parent or parents?
I'm beginning to think that being in an environment of close extended family is the ideal. Having regular access to free childcare. Being able to get input from older generations as far as parenting techniques and general wisdom. Having regular adult interactions beyond a cute jabbering two year old.
I think this could also be solved through non-relative community too. A lot of people aren't able or don't have family that they can be near. Especially for single parent families. Having a community, several families maybe, who take it upon themselves to provide childcare and general life assistance for each other could really make a significant quality of life difference for themselves. Having no outside help is either very expensive or potentially soul crushing.
From past experience it is amazing how much even a little help can make a young family's life better.
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