Poverty and Parenting: Examining the Effects on Child Well-Being in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

Poverty remains a pervasive challenge in Nigeria, with far-reaching implications for family life and child development. Despite numerous policy interventions, a significant proportion of households in urban centers such as Kano Metropolis continue to live below the poverty line, which affects how parents raise their children and how children thrive. This study investigates the effects of poverty on parenting practices and child well-being in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, and data were collected from 200 households across five local government areas. Structured questionnaires captured quantitative data on income levels, parenting practices, and child well-being indicators, while semi-structured interviews provided qualitative insights into parental experiences under conditions of deprivation. Findings reveal that poverty significantly shapes parenting behaviors, often resulting in heightened parental stress, reliance on punitive discipline, and reduced involvement in children’s education and health. Children from poor households were more likely to experience irregular school attendance, malnutrition, and psychosocial difficulties compared to their peers from relatively stable households. Regression analysis confirmed that household income was a strong predictor of child well-being, with parenting stress emerging as a partial mediator in this relationship. The qualitative findings further highlighted parental frustration, feelings of helplessness, and the struggle to balance livelihood with child-rearing responsibilities. The study highlights the urgent need for multi-sectoral interventions that address both the economic and psychosocial dimensions of poverty. Recommendations include poverty alleviation programs, parental support services, and child-focused policies that can break intergenerational cycles of deprivation and promote healthier child development outcomes in urban Nigeria.