Opinion

Our commitment to reducing parental conflict will give children the best start in life

Viewpoint
With new Government research highlighting an increased need for relationship support for parents, Department for Work and Pensions minister Baroness Deborah Stedman-Scott explains how extending their Reducing Conflict Programme will ensure happier homes for children.
Minister for work and pensions Baroness Deborah Stedman-Scott
Minister for work and pensions Baroness Deborah Stedman-Scott

Reducing parental conflict may not sound like an area that a work and pensions minister would be involved in – but the link between a hostile home environment and a child’s life outcomes is clear.

Parental conflict can be an environment of tension and arguments that can in reality leave long-lasting effects on the whole family’s mental health, especially impacting children – their school grades, early emotional and social development, and fulfilment in later life.

And as our latest research shows, the stressors heightening the risk of parental conflict increased during the pandemic – especially for disadvantaged families. The results come from a report of our £2.8m Challenge Fund granted to 10 specialist organisations during 2019 and 2020, demonstrating the increased need for parents’ relationship support.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included

  • Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month

  • Unlimited access to news and opinion

  • Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here