Building healthy young minds

The current cost of living crisis is putting a strain on household budgets and relationships within families. It also has the potential to compromise childhood development.

A report released by Anglicare last month notes that parents and caregivers are doing their best to shield their children from financial hardship, but they need more support.

“Living day-to-day with high levels of stress has health impacts for every family member, including the brain development of babies and young children,” said Stretched Too Far author, Policy and Advocacy Officer Kristy Cope.

Anglicare child and family practitioner Amy Benton explains:  “We use the term ‘brain architecture’ to refer to the structure of the brain and the unique, individual wiring we all have.

Our brains develop most quickly in the first 1000 days, from conception until age two. While it’s really important that our physical needs are satisfied – like having access to good food– ultimately, our brains require relationships with other brains in order to develop properly.

When this is working well, we see strong and nurturing relationships between children and their caregivers and lots of positive emotional experiences.

“If a caregiver responds to a baby or young child consistently and warmly most of the time, they assist the child to develop a secure attachment style,” Amy said. “This boosts the child’s ability to explore their environment and learn new things. It means they are more likely to have strong, healthy relationships throughout their lifespan, and to be in a position to contribute to their community in a positive way.”

Amy said children do best when their parents receive early support.

We know that building parenting knowledge and skills and strengthening family functioning helps to improve children’s safety, wellbeing and resilience, both in the short term and as they move into and through adulthood.

Further information

The Too Stretched report identifies a range of policy responses and targeted support that will assist families. They include building more affordable and safe housing for families on low incomes, tackling food insecurity, reducing out-of-pocket medical costs for families and increasing access to bulk-billing GP services, and raising the rate of income support payments.

Anglicare’s child and family programs put children at the centre. They encourage children and young people to identify and draw upon their strengths. The programs are guided by the Tasmanian Government’s Tasmanian Children and Youth Wellbeing Framework. It defines wellbeing as:

• being loved and safe
• having material basics
• being healthy
• learning
• participating; and
• having a sense of culture and identity.

Visit our website to find a program in your area that matches your family’s needs.

If your family is experiencing financial distress, a financial counsellor can help. Reach out to the National Debt Helpline by telephoning free-call 1800 007 007. An experienced and friendly financial counsellor from Anglicare Tasmania will work with you to improve your financial situation. There is no cost for this service.