How Will a Recession Affect Our Children?

 By: Matt Grandy

The Current Situation

The number of families facing economic pressure (EP) in Canada is rising, along with inflation rates and the demand for affordable housing. It is low family income and job insecurity that is associated with EP. Unmet material needs are also tied to EP. This could be the lack of food or clothing, and not being able to pay the monthly bills. More families are relying on food banks and there seems to be no end in sight. From March 2019 to March 2022 there has been a 35 percent increase in visits to the food bank. From economists to politicians, warnings of a recession, beginning in the early months of 2023, are circulating throughout the media. We must wonder, what will the impact be on our children.

Economic Pressure and Child Development 

A recent study shows how EP is linked to poorer outcomes for child development. It all begins with a poor economy, which is correlated with family EP. Then, EP puts parents at a higher risk for increased stress, which is tied to changes in their well-being. This can allow negative parenting behavior and family conflict to become more likely. Parenting behaviors are believed to be the link between EP and child development. Research shows that negative parenting behavior is associated with increased symptoms of anxiety, depression, and aggression in children. Children are also more likely to show less self-control and poor social skills as a result.

By nature, children tend to be more vulnerable to negative events than adults. The stress of EP may predict more negative parenting behaviors and more negative interactions within the family. This is associated with lasting effects on children’s social and emotional development. With a recession on the horizon, support for parents may be needed to reduce the likelihood of these negative outcomes. Lower socioeconomic families are at even higher risk. So, it is particularly important to make sure these supports are accessible to low-income families.

 Strong families could be the key to rebuilding an economy after a recession. This is because it is parents who shape the next generation. Through positive parenting practices, they can support their child’s development. But to do this, parents need more support during tough times to protect the future of their children.

Take Away

If you only take one thing away from this post, please take this; now, more than ever, parents must realize their role in their child’s development. The EP that is ahead of us can have a lasting effect on our children and the generations to come. We must stand together as a community to support our Canadian families. This is our chance to make a positive impact on our children.