Having a stable and supportive family, whatever form that takes, can determine a child’s future success.
At Kids Matter, we are often asked why parenting? If our mission is to reduce the impact of poverty on children in need, why are we partnering with the local church to run parenting groups? There are 4.3 million children in the UK who are hungry, cold and tired — shouldn’t we be distributing food, clothing and blankets?
These are good questions and we have a good answer.
A recent report by the Children’s Commission examined the wellbeing of family members, long-term outcomes for children and the ability of the family to withstand challenges, and found that those who can turn to their family in times of crisis experience higher overall levels of wellbeing – improved levels of happiness and even future earnings. Dame Rachel de Souza, the Children’s Commissioner for England, has urged the next prime minister to put family at the heart of all policy decisions:
Having a stable and supportive family, whatever form that takes, can determine a child’s future success. Children with happy families do better in their exams, go on to get better jobs, and have higher hourly income at the age of 25. Family can insulate us from life’s adversity and challenges.
This report is part of a large body of research that tells us improving the parent-child relationship has the greatest influence on reducing the impact of poverty on children.
Families are the bedrock of society and we need to protect, nurture and support them. Yet, according to the CSJ’s Repairing Our Society report, the UK is now a world leader in family breakdown and recent estimates put the cost of family breakdown to our society at £51.1 billion per annum. This cannot go on.
Parenting programmes like Kids Matter offer a space for parents to grow in confidence, competence and community. With increased confidence, a parent is able to manage stressful and challenging situations with warm, firm and encouraging parenting and this has a positive impact on their relationship with their child.
It is true, basic physical needs are both immediate and imperative but even if families are provided with a meal and a warm space, they will still have to wake up the next day and figure it all out again. There is no quick fix for the 14.5 million people who look poverty in the face each and every day. In the meantime…
…mums, dads and carers bear the responsibility of loving and parenting their children in spite of their circumstances.
This can be really difficult.
Poverty impacts a parent’s ability to manage stressful events and use effective parenting skills, which can have a negative impact on the parent-child relationship. Under these circumstances, children are more likely to struggle with a range of social, emotional and behavioural issues. Can you imagine the stress… the depression, frustration, embarrassment and looming sense of dread at making either/or decisions regarding heating, meals and clothing, and not just for you but for your kids?
Parents can face isolation and a lack of support, further impacting their own mental health and confidence, and their ability to parent well.
We choose parenting because we want children to flourish. Kids Matter is committed to coming alongside mums, dads and carers in support and encouragement. We know that when parents are equipped with the tools to build strong families, their children will thrive.
This Challenge Poverty Week, we acknowledge all of the organisations who work around the clock to meet the needs of those facing disadvantages and we raise our voice in unison against poverty and shine a light on visions for a more just, compassionate and opportunity-filled country.
Read the Family Review (2022) here.