ANPE A support event for benefit parents and children in Rotterdam
NOS Nieuws•vandaag, 10:11
Municipalities and government must pay more attention to the well-being of children in conflicts between parents and government. The Ombudsman for Children states this in the report In front of me. It states that children have daily concerns about their parents’ struggle with the government and that this has consequences for their well-being, development and prospects.
According to Children’s Ombudsman Margrite Kalverboer, in recent years there has been little attention paid to the child during conflicts between citizens and the government, such as the benefits affair, gas extraction damage in Groningen and the handling of floods in South Limburg.
“Children are unconditionally loyal to their parents. When they have a conflict, they do too. That gives a feeling of insecurity for the children,” says Kalverboer.
For the report, the Children’s Ombudsman spoke to children who grow up with parents who have a conflict with the government. One of the conclusions is that parents have less time, energy and attention for their children due to the conflicts.
“It is a forgotten group. Children make themselves small and act as if nothing is wrong with them,” says Kalverboer in an explanation in the NOS Radio 1 News. “Meanwhile, they are having a hard time at school, they no longer go to school at all or they have emotional problems.”
‘Had less contact with them’
Kalverboer estimates that at least 100,000 children are affected by conflicts, with 70,000 children affected by the benefits affair alone.
“The bond with my parents was less. I had less contact with them. The stress caused them to burn out, and they were even less available,” the report quotes 18-year-old Malika, daughter of benefit parents.
However, according to the Children’s Ombudsman, there is a solution and it is mainly in the hands of the government and municipalities. “Be there for the children. If a mayor comes along and shows compassion, the children are more gentle about the government. Talk to them and of course: help the parents.”
Municipalities could also help by bringing children into contact with other children whose parents are experiencing similar problems. Kalverboer also advocates children’s rights education at school, so that children are better informed of their rights.
2023-09-12 08:11:19
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