Implications of homelessness for parenting young children: A preliminary review from a developmental attachment perspective

Abstract

Although it has been well-documented that parents and children who experience homelessness often have compromised health and well-being, few studies have examined the potential implications of homelessness on the process of parenting young children. In this review, we consider how parents of young children might function under the circumstances of homelessness. We begin with a brief overview of the psychological, social, and medical characteristics of homeless mothers and their young children. Using a developmental attachment perspective, we next briefly review the central tasks of parenting during the first 5 years of life, including emotion regulation and fostering of child autonomy, with an eye toward how homelessness may compromise a mother's ability to complete these tasks. Finally, we provide suggestions for further research that incorporate a developmental attachment perspective and other relevant viewpoints. Because of the paucity of research in this area, our review seeks to provide a heuristic framework for future research, intervention development, and policy.

Housing and Support Services with Homeless Mothers: Benefits to the Mother and Her Children

“…Mothers' preoccupation with basic survival, as well as the physical, emotional and financial strains of homelessness stress their capacity to respond fully to children's needs (David et al, 2012). On the other hand, homeless children younger than 6 years old are especially vulnerable to developing emotional and behavioral disorders compared to school-age children and adolescents (Shinn et al, 2008).…”

Emotional and behavioral difficulties in children growing up homeless in Paris. Results of the ENFAMS survey

“…vaccination) to all children regardless of their parents' administrative or health care characteristics, could improve access to health care for families with psychological difficulties [77]. In particular, the structures could extend children's follow-up beyond age 6, and improve screening of parent mental health and parental difficulties [79,80]. Some studies show the effectiveness of interventions designed to develop children's psychosocial skills and parental abilities [81][82][83][84][85][86].…”

The unique relations between early homelessness and educational well-being: An empirical test of the Continuum of Risk Hypothesis

“…Children born to teenage mothers (Coker, Meyer, Smith, & Price, 2010; David, Gelberg, & Suchman, 2012; Swick & Williams, 2010; Yordan & Yordan, 1993) and those born to mothers with lower educational attainment (Rouse & Fantuzzo, 2009; Duffield & Lovell, 2008; David, Gelberg & Suchman, 2012) are more likely to experience periods of homelessness. Children who experience homelessness are also much more likely to experience child maltreatment.…”

“…Biological vulnerabilities and health threats are also disproportionately associated with early homelessness. Research studies have shown that children who experience homelessness are more likely to evidence birth risks, including inadequate prenatal care (David, Gelberg & Suchman, 2012) and preterm birth (Rouse & Fantuzzo, 2009), than their housed peers. These vulnerabilities are exacerbated by low quality housing, including exposure to high rates of lead concentration due to the lead-based paint found in poor housing conditions (Kerker et al, 2011; Rafferty and Shinn, 1991).…”