Sara Bielek, Psy.D., clinical assistant professor in Wright State University\u2019s School of Professional Psychology, was featured as an expert contributor in WalletHub\u2019s 2026 \u201cBest and Worst States to Raise a Family\u201d study.<\/p>\n
In the article, Bielek highlighted the importance of psychological well-being and family support in evaluating family-friendly environments. She said that decisions about where to raise children are shaped not only by economic and safety metrics, but also by the availability of supportive community networks, access to quality mental health resources and stability in education and healthcare systems.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen families are considering a place to settle down, there are a variety of factors to explore; some are more obvious than others,\u201d she said. \u201cHowever, having a list of \u2018must haves\u2019 and \u2018would be nice to have\u2019 can help lessen the feeling of being overwhelmed in selecting ‘the perfect’ place to reside.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bielek also explained how psychological and environmental factors influence child development and overall family quality of life, offering a deeper understanding of what makes a state conducive to raising a family.<\/p>\n
Read Bielek\u2019s comments on the <\/span>\u201cBest and Worst States to Raise a Family.\u201d<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Sara Bielek, Psy.D., clinical assistant professor in Wright State University\u2019s School of Professional Psychology, was featured as an expert contributor in WalletHub\u2019s 2026 \u201cBest and Worst States to Raise a Family\u201d study. In the article, Bielek highlighted the importance of … Continue reading