LESSON 3.2

Children’s Health in the U.S. – Part 1

Family Environment

In 2014:

  • 69% of children ages 0-17 years lived with 2 parents
  • 24% with only their mothers
  • 4% with only their fathers
  • 4% lived without a parent (i.e., relative, foster parent)

In 2011:

  • 2% of children ages 5-8 years cared for themselves
  • 10% of children ages 9-11 years
  • 33% of children 12-16 years

Source: FIFCFS, 2015

Although the majority of children live with two parents, almost a third live in a single parent home environment. In addition, 1 in 10 young children and 1 in 3 adolescents care for themselves while their parent(s) and/or guardians are away at work.