The Demos researchers say children living with both biological parents are twice as likely to develop the most useful character traits as those living with lone parents or a step-parent. Application, self-regulation, and empathy are the three most important traits for a child's chances of improving their economic lot. Children of parents who promote these traits were likely to develop positive characteristics. The children of married parents are twice as likely as those from single parents to have the most important characteristics for success. Read More.