Mother’s health and socio-economic circumstances greatly impact child development

06.03.20

UN Geneva, Human Rights Council - MMM drew attention to the impact that a mother’s own mental health and socio-economic status, including her level of education, can have on her children's mental health and their future.

MMM took part in the general debate that followed the presentation of the report of the UN Special Representative on Violence against Children. Focussing on the impact of violence on children’s mental health, the report was presented during the 43rd session of the Human Rights Council. The following statement was delivered by our representative Karen Thorsen.

MMM Oral Statement – Item 3 General Debate

The report [of the Special Representative] rightly states that violence against mothers, including during pregnancy, has serious consequences for her children and their right to the highest attainable standard of mental health.

We draw attention to the impact that a mother’s own mental health and socio-economic status have on her child’s mental health.

Mothers with low socio-economic status have a tendency to bear children who are hyperactive and antisocial. A child whose mother suffers from depression has a higher risk of disruptive behaviour in preschool and problems interacting with their peers. Better-educated mothers, on the other hand, have a tendency to bear more mentally stable children; they are also more able to cope with their children’s mental problems.

The parental circumstances are crucial during childhood, especially for a mother, who remains the main educator and caregiver of her child. In particular, a mother’s education level has a long-lasting effect on her children.

MMM therefore calls on governments

  • To recognize the impact of a mother’s mental health on her child and the child’s healthy development
  • To invest in early childhood development and support parents through parental education and counseling, as well as adequate social protection.

 

 

Most read articles

Mothers, unpaid care work and global crises – connecting the dots

02.07.24

UN New York / HLPF - Register now to join us online at this year’s High Level Political Forum side-event.

Lire plus

Widowed mothers: MMM calls for addressing the distinct challenges they face

20.06.24

UN Geneva, Human Rights Council - MMM was invited to contribute to a side-event organised by Widows Rights International to discuss the unique challenges faced by widows who are mothers,

Lire plus

Time Poverty and the Motherhood Penalty
Unveiling Economic and Social Injustices

09.07.24

Mothers play an essential role in families by ensuring their loved ones are nourished, educated, and healthy, but their unpaid care work often leads to economic and social injustices, known

Lire plus
See all the articlesof the category

Latest News from MMM and its Network

Ensuring Work-Life Balance: The EU’s Commitment to Supporting Parents, notably mothers, and Gender Equality

19.03.25

At the latest EPSCO Council (Employment, Social Policy, Health, and Consumer Affairs), the Council of the European Union adopted groundbreaking Conclusions aimed at addressing work-life balance and promoting ge

Read more

Breaking the Cycle: Gender Equality as a Path to Better Mental Health

18.03.25

The Council of the European Union has taken a decisive step in recognising the vital connection between gender equality and mental health.

Read more

Championing Mothers’ Rights at the UN Human Rights Council

18.03.25

UN Geneva - The 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC58) provided a crucial platform for advocacy, engagement, and collaboration on pressing human rights issues. MMM representatives made significant

Read more

The voice of Mothers: Uncovering the Truth Behind the Numbers

12.03.25

On 11 March, MMM unveiled its State of Motherhood in Europe 2024 Survey in an interactive webinar. Three expert panelists and an engaged audience commented its most striking results presented by Angela Garcia,

Read more

Motherhood: The Unfinished Business of Beijing

09.03.25

UN New York - The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995) is a landmark global policy document focused on advancing gender equality and women's rights, and is considered one of the most comprehensive

Read more

Supporting Mothers with Disabilities: A Call for Enhanced Care and Resources

06.03.25

Mothers with disabilities face many challenges in a world that is physically, socially and structurally inaccessible. Their struggles often go unnoticed and underappreciated which results in vast misconceptions

Read more