The effects of poverty Poverty in childhood is damaging: to children, to their life chances and to communities. Research has shown that family income impacts on children's lives and development in a variety of ways. Living on a low-income increases parents’ stress levels, in turn affecting relationships and family dynamics. Increases in family income can boost children's educational achievements, and emotional and physical wellbeing. Parents worry about the impact poverty has on their children, particularly that they may be bullied. Children living in poverty frequently report feeling excluded and embarrassed, citing it as a ‘key source of unhappiness’, and worry about their parents in turn. All areas of a child’s life are adversely affected by poverty: home, school, friendships and more. The most visible aspect is that they do not have what their friends have. Child poverty impacts on children's ability to enjoy their childhoods and achieve their aspirations. ...