Parents on lower incomes are more likely to struggle with disciplining their children, according to a new survey.
A poll of more than 1,000 parents found just 27% of those whose incomes fell into the bottom fifth were consistent at setting and enforcing rules, compared to 41% of parents with incomes in the upper fifth.
Some 53% of parents find money to be their largest obstacle, followed by lack of time (20%) and space (8%).
Kitty Ussher, director of political think tank Demos which commissioned the report, said those who work in low-income jobs should get more support.
“Inconsistent parenting due to income-related issues is a deeply complex phenomenon that will only be addressed by looking at reducing poverty, improving housing stock and supporting good parenting.
“What our research shows is that children in Britain are deeply loved but because life is often far harder for people in lower paid jobs, income has an impact in terms of the quality of parenting in the home.
“Politicians should not stigmatise those working hard to do the right thing by their families but instead should support them to do it better,” she said.
Dr Maggie Atkinson, Children’s Commissioner for England, said: “We know that a combination of loving homes and clear boundary setting are what children themselves want.
“Parents from all social backgrounds provide love, but we have to look at ways to support those who, because of low incomes, have added burdens such as financial pressure and time restrictions.”
