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As a result of changes in attitudes to family size and women’s greater participation in education and work, more people are having children later in life and having smaller families than in the past. Although most children are born to married couples, the number of births outside marriage has increased dramatically over the last thirty years – from 12% in 1980 to 44% in 2007. (1)
Research evidence shows that the quality of the parental relationship has a powerful impact on parenting and outcomes for children. The transition to parenthood is a particularly important time to provide practical and relationship support for both parents – more about this can be found on One Plus One’s website thecoupleconnection.net.
The following pages include statistics on births in England and Wales and links to parenting and family research, including One Plus One’s information sheet on the transition to parenthood.
1. National Statistics (2009). Birth statistics: Review of the National Statistician on births and patterns of family building in England and Wales, 2007. Series FM1, no 36.
Outcomes for parents with disabled children and carers of disabled or adults: Similarities, differences and the implications for assessment practice More+
Working fathers in Europe earning and caring? More+
Child support enforcement and fathers' contributions to their non-marital children More+
Parenting practices of resident fathers: The role of marital and biological ties More+
August 2010
Deputy Prime Minister highlights the government’s commitment to children and families More+
April 2010
Children, Schools and Families Act 2010 More+
Information sheet
One Plus One’s information sheet on The Transition To Parenthood can be found here.
Growing together, or drifting apart? Children with disabilities and their parents' relationship, a research review can be found here
Time parents spend with their children More+
Number of live births in England and Wales More+
Number of live births by age of the mother More+
Number of children born within and outside marriage More+
Number of births outside jointly registered and solely registered by their parents More+
One Plus One's site The Parent Connection is specifically designed for parents who may be thinking about separating are separated and for those who would like to know more about co-parenting. The Parent Connection
Interactive information, advice, exercises and social networking for couples and parents from One Plus One. thecoupleconnection.net