by Anna Suranyi

Created on: November 24, 2008

Imagine that you are driving over a high bridge and there are no guardrails on either side of you; imagine the anxiety you would feel, the preoccupation with the possibility of disaster. This is similar to how a child feels without discipline and stability in the home. Discipline and stability are the guardrails that allow children to develop trust and healthy emotional development. Stability comes in all shapes and sizes. It can be found in two parent homes, single parent homes, on farms, in apartments, anywhere there are loving parents who realize the importance of providing for not only physical, but emotional needs as well. Routines and schedules are a good place to start, a good framework to begin with in any home. This will look different in every home; uniformity is not stability.

Stability is important for healthy emotional development and the ability to trust. It allows a child to feel secure enough try new things, meet new people, learn, communicate, think and grow. A child in a stable home is more likely to achieve well academically, be involved in extra-curricular activities and develop healthy relationships with peers. Additionally, they will have an inner strength that allows them to reject situations and people they are not comfortable with, and not succumb to peer pressure. The need for a feeling of acceptance is at the root of all successful peer pressure. Turning away from the superficial acceptance requires knowledge of what true acceptance is and a strong character. This inner strength comes from self-worth, and a child who feels valued and values himself, is likely the product of a committed, established home life, with adults who are responsible members of society.

Within each human being is an innate desire to be loved, accepted and valued. In order to have those things, a stable home life is essential, allowing a child to grow and develop into a healthy young adult. Stability is the launch pad which allows children to develop into individuals, and make intelligent life decisions, while being a part of a family unit. In turn, healthy family members are better prepared be contributing members of society. The home is a child's first community and growing up in an environment with the ability to depend on other family members and the constancy of the home, prepares them for this role. The human race benefits from strong, stable homes-homes that provide safety, nurturing and stability.

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