New research shows that today’s parents are rethinking what it means to rely on their “village” when it comes to child-rearing.
According to a survey of 2,000 parents of children aged 0-6, 78% agree that the definition of a village – or their community and support system – is different today than when they were growing up .
In fact, another 86% of parents say they have a different type of support system today than their parents did.
Growing up, respondents spent the most time with grandmothers (60%), grandfathers (41%), aunts (51%) and uncles (41%), as well as their parents’ best friend (38%). Remember to spend.
Overall, they can recall having an average of eight different people regularly involved in their lives during childhood, and most of them (86%) are still in touch to some extent with their childhood village.
But today, parents rely on an average of seven different people, and very few of them are relatives.
Moms (54%) and dads (34%) still top the list, but today’s parents rely more on their friends (33%) or best friends (30%) than on aunts or uncles (29%). Are more dependent. ,
Yet, 29% of parents today have difficulty making new friends. Their inner circle most often includes friends they made after having children (24%). Interestingly, parents are more likely to spend time with their childhood friends (15%), rather than with friends they made in adulthood before having children (14%), compared to their teenage peers. (9%) and even with their college friends (6%). ,
In fact, 83% say that their child making a new friend helps them maintain a friendship with their parent, at least some of the time.
Powered by Talker Research on behalf of Goddard SchoolThe survey took an in-depth look at the structure of today’s villages and aimed to highlight what the modern version looks like.
Four out of five (81%) of all parents surveyed believe that having a support system is essential when it comes to raising their child, and another 43% believe that That parenting today is more difficult than it was for their own parents.
Nearly a quarter of parents (27%) were less likely to need support than their own parents for reasons such as not having a close relationship with their family (33%) or their family members having other responsibilities and being too busy to help. They trust family members less (32%). A quarter (25%) made a conscious decision to do things differently than their parents and be less dependent on their family.
On the other hand, 47% people prefer to depend more on their family. Many (41%) simply want a deeper family relationship, while others find it easier because they and their partner both work full-time (31%) and it is more cost-effective (29%).
The good news is that parents are taking advantage of their villages. The vast majority (87%) believe that their support system has improved the development of their child’s social and emotional skills.
Additional support parents receive includes spending more quality time with their child (36%), completing tasks such as cooking, cleaning or running errands (33%), and becoming a better or more present parent (31%). Enables.
“Raising children these days is like sailing a ship in a storm; It can be tumultuous and unsettling, and without a compass to guide your ship — or your parents to help, said Dr. Lauren Loquasto, senior vice president and chief academic officer at The Goddard. Without a strong support system – it’s easy to lose your way. School. “I encourage all parents to take full advantage of their entire network, including their school and childcare provider, to find support in their parenting journey.”
Nearly three-quarters (74%) of parents surveyed currently have their child enrolled in school or a childcare provider.
Of those parents, 89% say their child’s school or child care provider plays a role in their village, and they rely on them for help or guidance an average of 12 times per month.
But still, nearly two-thirds (65%) of parents want their child’s school or childcare provider to offer more opportunities to connect with other parents.
Family celebrations and social events (45%), educational workshops for parents and their children (36%) and festivals and cultural events (35%) top the list of opportunities that parents will enjoy.
Loquasto said, “Schools and child care providers have not only an opportunity, but also a responsibility to provide support, guidance to their families to help both children and parents grow into the best versions of themselves. Provide more resources.” “We are committed to fostering a community where families feel supported and connected. Parenting is a journey, and while ups and downs and turns are inevitable, a strong village helps make the journey as seamless and rewarding as possible for the entire family.
Survey Method:
Talker Research surveyed 2,000 parents of children aged 0-6; The survey was commissioned by The Goddard School and administered by Talker Research and conducted online between October 11 and October 18, 2024.
