nib release their 2023 State of the Nation Parenting Survey
nib have released their 2023 State of the Nation Parenting Survey, which has found parental concern for children’s mental health has skyrocketed and shows just how severely the current cost of living crisis is affecting families. The survey canvassed the views of 1,206 parents, step-parents and guardians across NZ in June 2023.
Some of the key findings include:
46% of all parents say their biggest worry for their children is the future state of their mental health (up from 40% in 2022).
57% say they are worried about their children’s current mental health.
49% of parents say they are concerned about their child’s physical health (which increases to 59% of Māori parents).
Parents reported the top three physical health concerns impacting their children as sleeping problems (34%), behavioural issues like tantrums, problematic eating and bullying (28%) and diet and exercise (25%).
46% of parents have health insurance (up from 44% in 2022), with 64% having made a claim. Key reasons for taking up private health insurance were peace of mind (52%), quicker access to health services (48%) and confidence they can access health services (48%).
31% of parents are unable to access the support they need to address their child's health concerns.
The survey found that almost all kiwi parents were facing financial stress (93% of households).
49% of parents said financial uncertainty is the main source of household stress (up from 41% in 2022 and 35% in 2021).
66% of parents’ top concern for their kids’ future is cost of living.
19% of parents have gone without essentials such as petrol, heating or skipping meals over the last year.
Food choices are being impacted by increasing financial pressures, with 52% of parents saying they are eating less or differently; 23% keeping grocery spend the same but eating less; 51% eating less fresh vegetables; and 40% eating more processed foods.
Parents have said that increasing costs are negatively affecting their relationships and social lives with 31% reporting a negative impact on their relationship with their partner, 42% having their social lives and connection to friends negatively affected and 25% experiencing a negative impact on the amount of time spent with their children.
14% of families are choosing to delay having more children.
13% of families’ main caregiver is needing to return to work.
Nathan Wallis, nib’s resident parenting expert and neuroscience educator has some tips for families doing it tough right now.
“Parents are under increasing financial pressure and many feel like they don’t have the time, energy or resources to care for their kids and look after themselves but it’s really important that parents find ways to look after their own wellbeing”.
“It’s really important that parents look after their own mental and physical health so that they can show up for their kids. Proactively looking after your own health and wellbeing also has the added benefit of role modelling good behaviours to your kids. When parents role model healthy eating habits and exercise their kids tend to follow”.
“It might be as simple as coming together for a family meal or taking the kids for a walk or kick a ball around at the park. These healthy habits are great ways to bond with your kids and set them up for success”.
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