The transformative power of family: Why strong bonds matter for children’s development 

Every child deserves to grow up in a safe, loving home surrounded by the stable care of a family. Data consistently shows that healthy, trusting relationships aren’t just emotionally comforting for children—they’re biologically essential for healthy development. 

According to an SOS Children’s Villages global report, “A Child’s Road to Resilience,” children who experience nurturing parental care develop strong cognitive, emotional and social skills that last far into a child’s future—and even affects the next generation.  

Five life-changing benefits of growing up in a loving family 

Being raised in a strong, loving family positively impacts every aspect of a child’s life. 

1. Enhanced brain development: Responsive caregiving develops brain networks responsible for emotional and social intelligence, planning, impulse-control and decision-making. 

2. Emotional regulation skills: Children learn emotional regulation skills from parents, learning to effectively manage stress and develop empathy toward others. 

3. Healthier relationships: Secure attachments with parents or caregivers equip children with a foundation for all future relationships, leading to better social and relationship-building skills and—should they choose to have children—breaking unhealthy, intergenerational patterns for their own families.  

4. Greater resilience: Family bonds expand a child’s capacity to bounce back from adversity and adapt to life challenges, and lower a child’s risk of depression or other mental health issues. 

5. Improved long-term health: Children from nurturing homes show stronger immune systems and reduced risk of developing chronic illnesses and substance abuse issues. 

Read more: Five devastating effects of family separation on children—and how we can stop it 

Supporting families globally 

The evidence is clear: Healthy relationships foster healthy child development. That’s why this International Day of Families, SOS Children’s Villages is amplifying the global call to put families at the heart of sustainable development—and why SOS’ family strengthening program is critical to reaching the 17  Sustainable Development Goals. 

On a global scale, SOS’ family and community strengthening programs, which served more than 4.1 million families in more than 137 countries and territories in 2024, ensure parents have the positive parenting skills, economic empowerment resources and trauma-informed care training they need to provide the highest quality care and strong foundation their children need to achieve a bright future. 

But the impact of strong families resonates on a personal level for every one of our 4.1 million participants—like Gyamfi*, a 17-year-old boy growing up in Ghana. 

“After my father died, life was very difficult for us,” Gyamfi said. “My mother had a lot of trouble taking care of us by herself. Her nightmare was that we would have no place to sleep and no food. Unfortunately, it became a reality.” 

With torn clothes and limited school supplies, Gyamfi struggled to continue his education. And without support, Gyamfi and his family could have been unnecessarily separated, traumatizing the family and robbing Gyamfi of the nurturing maternal relationship essential for his development.   

But with SOS Children’s Villages family strengthening program, his mother received the economic empowerment training, mentorship and education she needed to earn a sustainable income for her family. With support from donors, SOS was also able to provide Gyamfi with the resources and school supplies he needed to continue achieving this quality education. 

Now, his mother owns her own bakery, and Gyamfi’s life has drastically improved.  

“Gone are the days when I went to bed with an empty stomach,” he said. “It was during the difficult moments in my life that I realized the value of family, how important it is to always have the people who love you by your side. Without SOS, I would have lost [my family] and this happiness.” 

But investing in families doesn’t just improve children’s and families’ lives—it impacts whole communities. For every $1 invested, $4.90 in lasting benefits is returned to society, creating a ripple effect of positive change. 

How you can help this International Day of Families 

Despite growing evidence on the importance of family bonds, millions of children worldwide experience unnecessary family separation. 

As one child participant in SOS’ groundbreaking “Global Report on Children’s Care and Protection” said, having “no love and affection makes you feel worthless.” 

International Day of Families is the perfect opportunity to support children and families in need. You can be the change children need when you:  

• Donate to support our global family strengthening programs.  

• Become a sponsor, so a child who has lost his or her parents can grow up with the nurturing love of a caregiver, developing crucial bonds that transform their life. 

• Deliver love by purchasing a meaningful gift from our gift shop that sends resources and support to a family in need. 

• Raise awareness by sharing this article and advocating for the importance of family.  

When we invest in keeping families together, we’re not just helping children thrive—we’re strengthening entire communities to build a more nurturing society for generations to come. 

Because family matters.