[jonathanlb]

> external factors (abuse, addiction, sickness, etc.).

Beside factors that body's performance, also consider factors that impact well-meaning parent or caregivers' _presence_ in the home, such economic realities, e.g., parents working multiple jobs, parents with challenging schedules, single parents, lack of community support (e.g., availability of a supportive neighbors or families.)

[glitchc]

Agreed, of course. All captured in the etc. Nothwithstanding these factors, the debate still boils down to who's responsible for the kids' well-being: Them or society.

[jonathanlb]

I disagree with the binary (family/society) framing because the well-being of children has always depended on overlapping responsibilities between parents, communities, and society. Not only that, but that false dichotomy also ignores children's autonomy as well.

Either way, in this debate, what really matters are outcomes- whether children thrive or not.

[Spooky23]

It’s never that simple. When society creates an environment where neglect is baked in, society bears some culpability.

[BrenBarn]

Part of that question is whether society is responsible for the adults' well-being, so that they can then do a better job at improving their children's well-being.