Married couples with children, on average, have a higher standard of living and greater economic security than one-parent families (Thomas & Sawhill, 2005). Parents raising children together tend to have more money, more flexibility and more time to supervise their children, offer emotional support, take an active part in their education, and arrange other activities for them. In contrast, one-parent families are more likely to experience economic hardship and stressful living conditions--including fewer resources, more frequent moves, and less stability--that take a toll on adults and children alike. When economic hardship and stressful living conditions are present, children are at greater risk of poor achievement as well as behavioral, psychological, and health problems. When these circumstances are absent, children who grow up in one-parent families are at less risk for negative outcomes (Amato & Maynard, 2006). Given the benefits associated with married parents, researchers and policymakers generally view the percentage of children living in two-parent families as an important indicator of child well-being. Today, many children go without these benefits. This "KIDS COUNT Indicator Brief" outlines four broad strategies for increasing the percentage of children who live in two-parent families: (1) Basing policymaking on research linking economic security and family stability; (2) Encouraging and supporting stable marriages and families; (3) Ensuring that children benefit from both parents' emotional and financial support; and (4) Supporting research on the effects of family structure on children's well-being. (Contains 9 online resources.)