Two parent families 'ideal', MPs told
CHILDREN in a two-parent family enjoy an “ideal” upbringing, MPs heard last night.
The Children’s Commissioner Professor Sir Al Aynsley-Green told the Commons Education Committee there was little doubt that the traditional family was the perfect way to produce the best outcome for children.
However, he admitted many youngsters did not enjoy such a life. He said: “It is possible for single parents in difficult circumstances to give love, commitment, security, expectation and a sense of purpose and boundaries, just as much as a couple.”
He also said it was vital to accept that modern families came in many shapes and sizes.
He called on Gordon Brown to create a Whitehall department for children and young people, led by a Cabinet-level Minister.
Despite its prosperity, Britain was a “child-unfriendly society” failing too many youths, he warned. A recent United Nations report has labelled Britain the worst of 21 industrialised countries in which to grow up.
