Most of the time, when a person thinks of a traditional family, a mother, father and at least one child, this is what comes to mind. However, the familiar structure of the traditional family has changed and does not necessarily reflect whether it is ultimately the best dynamic for raising a child. A child's emotions, behavior, academics, and socialization can be affected depending on how they were raised. We may find that a child raised by a single parent, raised by grandparents, or even by same-sex parents might be better off than those raised in a traditional family, depending on the positive and negative aspects of each family dynamic. .Emotional impact.When raising a child, a parent or guardian must be aware of their actions towards the child. According to Abidin, “stress has a negative influence. . . can be particularly detrimental to child development. . .“ (quoted in Fagan 142). If a parent or caregiver displays negativity toward a child during crucial periods of development, the child may in turn be emotionally harmed. Research also suggests that "regardless of family type, adolescents whose parents described closer relationships with them reported better outcomes." . . adjustment” (Wainright 1886). In traditional families, the father spent less time interacting with his child, considering this “interaction as unimportant” unlike fathers in non-traditional families (Halme 115). If these traditional fathers did not see satisfaction in their involvement with their child, then who was investing in the child? Are single fathers more involved in their children's lives? Halme reported that single parents, especially fathers, “enjoyed spending time with their child…”. . . shared childcare duties. . ....... middle of paper ......can F. Koerner. “The Effect of Family Communication Patterns on the Adjustment of Adopted Adolescents.” Journal of Marriage and Family 70.3 (2008): 715-27. Academic research completed. Internet. February 24, 2014. Smith, Gregory C. and Patrick A. Palmieri. “Risk of psychological difficulties in children raised by custodial grandparents.” Psychiatric Services 58.10 (2007): 1303-310. Psyc Articles (EBSCO). Internet. February 24, 2014. Wainright, Jennifer L., Stephen T. Russell, and Charlotte J. Patterson. “Psychosocial adjustment, academic achievement, and adolescent romantic relationships with same-sex parents.” Child Development 75.6 (2004): 1886-898. PsycARTICLES. Internet. February 24, 2014. Zimmerman, Irla L. and Maurine Bernstein. “Parental Work Patterns in Alternative Families: Influence on Child Development.” American Journal of Orthopsychiatry 53.3 (1983): 418-25. PsycARTICLES. Internet. February 24. 2014.