f security" (Pittin, 1981, p. 184). Pittin notes that the biological parents, as well as the foster parents, usually take an active interest in the child's welfare. Thus, the child benefits by receiving the best of "two houses rather than one, with the enrichment of relationships and interests which this implies" (p. 184).
The care and attention which is provided by the traditional Nigerian family system helps the children to develop positive social traits. As Kisekka (1981) points out, the extended family system plays an important role in the successful socialization of the infant (p. 169). The attention given to the child by the family helps the child to grow into an emotionally stable adult. This stability is important in order for the people of Nigeria to cope with the negative conditions which have been caused by rapid social change. Thus, the traditional family system in Nigeria helps "ensure emotional security which is vital for children's development and mitigates against the adverse effects of poverty" (Kisekka, 1981, p. 169).
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