Two thirds of parents are more worried than hopeful - Big Parenting Survey 2024 Findings

“It seems to get harder each generation. I and many fellow parents don’t have the ‘village’ my parents had. Parenting is lonely and isolating” – Parent Quote

Concerning trends revealed as parents in Northern Ireland express increasing worries and lack of support. Parenting Focus, Northern Ireland's leading provider of parenting support services, has today released the results of its 2023/24 'The Big Parenting Survey'. The survey provides an insight into the experiences, concerns and needs of parents across Northern Ireland.

Key findings from the survey of over 1,100 parents paint a troubling picture:

• 86% of parents feel they do not get enough support
• Only 33% of parents agree their hopes for their children are achievable in Northern Ireland, down from 46% in 2021
• 68% of parents are more worried than hopeful about the future
• 83% reported that financial worries have negatively impacted their mental health

“As parents and carers we have hopes and dreams for our children. It is devastating that this has been taken away from two thirds of parents. The results of the survey show a significant increase in parental worries and a feeling of being underserved when it comes to support services they need to alleviate those worries," said Interim CEO Koulla Yiasouma.

The survey identified major parental concerns including children's behaviour, technology, vaping, peer pressure, mental health, bullying, and lack of affordable/flexible childcare. Although the majority of parents are worried about money and this is having an impact on their mental health there was a positive note with a small decline in the percentage of parents self-reporting "very low" emotional health from 19% in 2021 to 14% in 2023/24.

Launching the survey Chris Quinn, The NI Commissioner for Children and Young People said:

“I welcome the publication of the Big Parenting Survey 23/24.

Being a parent is the best job in the world, but it can also be the most challenging. It is clear to me that children and young people do not always receive the support they need, and that goes for parents too.

As Commissioner, my job is to promote and safeguard the rights of children and young people. In doing so, I believe strongly in early intervention and support, which includes recognising the importance of the role of parents in the upbringing and development of their children.

I want to be accessible to children, parents and carers, and I have worked hard to listen to their views. The real-life experiences parents have shared with me are reflected strongly in this report. Parents, particularly those who are most vulnerable, feel they do not get enough support. Parents tell me that they are worried and that there is absence of hope in their lives.

This report highlights the cumulative effect of years of austerity and the continuing cost-of-living crisis which has had negative impacts on many families. It is, therefore, imperative that the NI Executive prioritises an Anti-poverty Strategy.”

Koulla concluded "As the Executive and Assembly begin to tackle the significant issues it is important that the critical role parents play is not overlooked. This survey reinforces the need for a range family support services and robust policies to address the challenges parents are facing today," Koulla stated. "The survey results serve as a call to action, that we must do more to support Northern Ireland's parents and children."

The 'The Big Parenting Survey' report can be accessed below:

Executive Summary

The Big Parenting Survey 2024 - Full Report