A new survey has found parents' concerns for their childrens' mental health have skyrocketed.
The survey conducted by NIB New Zealand Health Insurance in Auckland found 57 percent of Kiwi parents are concerned about the current state of their children's mental health. The number of concerned parents has steadily increased since 2020, when NIB found less than a third of parents were primarily worried about the mental health of their children.
The State of the Nation Parenting Survey involved the participation of 1206 parents, step-parents and guardians across New Zealand in June 2023.
A mother of secondary school children said her biggest concern for her kids' future is "mental health and wellbeing and having healthy friendships and relationships". This concern was shared by almost half of other parents who took part in the survey.
Parents reported they had physical health concerns for their children too, with the top three being sleeping problems, behavioural issues such as tantrums, problematic eating and bullying and diet and exercise.
The survey also found parents have noticed an increase in a range of negative behaviours post-pandemic including separation anxiety, problem eating habits, tantrums, mental health issues and physical or violent outbursts.
Eighty-four percent of parents reported their childrens' behavioural problems were over the past six months. However, NIB NZ's parenting expert and neuroscience educator Nathan Wallis said some of the behavioural issues in children are to be expected.
"Children are often dealing with big emotions and they're still learning how to manage those feelings, so some behavioural issues like tantrums in preschoolers are completely normal," Wallis said. "As parents, it's our job to support our kids with boundaries and role model good behaviour."
He reiterated parents who are worried the behavioural issues might be an indication of a health issue should seek advice from their healthcare professional.
Fewer parents able to access healthcare for their children
The survey found parents are worried that their ability to access healthcare to address their children's health problems is decreasing.
In 2021, two-thirds of people felt they were able to adequately access the level of support they needed. Now, 7 percent less of parents feel they can access the level of support required - 63,280 households nationwide.
"My son has disabilities and our experiences with the health system have been an absolute nightmare, even soul-destroying at times," one mother of primary-aged children said.
The results found Māori children are experiencing more health-related concerns than other ethnic groups but can access the support they need.
Māori parents were more likely to use tele-health services for their children, compared to NZ European, Asian, Indian and Pasifika.
NIB NZ chief exeuctive Rob Hennin said it was troubling parents aren't always able to access the healthcare they need for their kids.
"As parents, we all want the best for our kids and for them to be happy and healthy, but sometimes it can be difficult navigating the health system."
He said access to services and peace of mind are the two key reasons why parents have private health insurance. However, the cost of health insurance is a "barrier for many families in the current economic environment", he said.
"We've seen some great progress in terms of tele-health and digi-health in the last few years and a bigger focus on mental health - so hopefully we're moving in the right direction."
Kiwi parents prioritising their own health
The survey found 85 percent of parents are motivated to look after their own health for their children. Parents said their main reasons are to be a good influence for their children, to be able to show up for their children and to keep up with them when running around and playing.
Wallis said it's encouraging to see parents prioritising their own health and wellbeing and being role models.
"It's really important that parents look after their own mental and physical health so that they can show up for their kids."
"When parents role model healthy eating habits and exercise their kids tend to follow.
"It might be as simple as coming together for a family meal or taking the kids for a walk or kicking a ball around at the park.
"These healthy habits are great ways to bond with your kids and set them up for success."
