The Negative Effects of Housing Crowding on Children

Living in crowded housing conditions can create stress in the home and have negative consequences for its inhabitants. Children may be particularly vulnerable to this type of poor housing quality because they use the space in the home to do homework, interact with family members, develop their identity, practice skills, and even sleep. Parents in overcrowded homes tend to show less responsive parenting. The lack of productive sleep can lead to difficulty concentrating during the day and negatively affect mood and behavior. In addition, children in crowded housing have a higher probability of catching illnesses which can interfere with their daily routine and interrupt their schooling.