Curtin University research has found parenting skills and good neighbourhoods have the greatest impact on Aussie kids\u2019 health and development.<\/p>\n
The Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute looked into the physical health, social and emotional development and learning outcomes of children aged from three months to nine years, in relation to their housing situation.<\/p>\n
Lead researcher, Dr Michael Dockery, Director of the Centre for Labour Market Research at Curtin, said the report details the role housing plays in shaping outcomes for children from different socio-economic classes.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is true that children born to wealthier families and more educated families do slightly better on average, but many children from lower socio-economic backgrounds also have above-average outcomes,\u201d Dr Dockery said.<\/p>\n
Differences in child outcomes by family socio-economic status generally widen as children age. The main way children benefit from being of a higher socio-economic background is through living in a better neighbourhood, rather than a better house.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe old real estate adage of getting into the worst house in the best neighbourhood seems to also apply for improving children\u2019s outcomes,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe research also implies that urban planning featuring parks, playgrounds and other open areas are likely to be conducive to children\u2019s development and wellbeing, even if it means higher density dwellings in the area, such as apartment complexes.\u201d<\/p>\n
The factors shaping children\u2019s outcomes vary across different areas of development and wellbeing.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn terms of physical health, housing plays a small role in shaping outcomes. However, living on a farm or in better neighbourhood conditions was shown to contribute to better physical health,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor children\u2019s social and emotional outcomes, the family aspects of a home are of greater relative importance than the actual dwelling itself. Parenting styles have a much stronger impact than housing variables. Other factors such as frequent moves, renting rather than owning and being in financial stress also appeared to have negative impacts on a child\u2019s social and emotional wellbeing.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor learning outcomes, living in crowded housing has the largest negative impact.\u201d<\/p>\n
The study also suggests that housing assistance programs in Australia, including public housing, generally provide an effective safety net in protecting children\u2019s outcomes.<\/p>\n
However, the research found two key groups stood out for whom their inferior housing circumstances negatively impact upon their children\u2019s health and wellbeing: sole parents and Indigenous Australians.<\/p>\n