This archive report was first published on 25 July 2021.
Parenting is a life-changing experience that varies greatly depending on one's location. A survey conducted by Nestlé in 16 countries reveals the diverse challenges faced by parents worldwide.
Between January 14 and February 27, 2020, over 8,000 mothers and fathers of babies aged 0-12 months were surveyed. The results of the 'Parenting Index' highlight the factors that contribute to a parent's sense of happiness and support, including the absence of pressure, financial resilience, support for working life, health and wellbeing resources, and shared parenting.
Sweden tops the list as the country where parents feel the most at ease, in control, and supported. The country's generous parental leave policy, which provides 480 days of paid leave that can be shared between parents until their child turns eight, is a significant factor in this ranking. Additionally, Sweden's subsidized childcare allows parents to easily return to work.
Chile, Germany, Mexico, and the US follow closely behind in the Parenting Index. While parents in these countries report various strengths, such as high confidence and positive shared parenting experiences in Chile, they also face challenges like low support for working life in Germany and a lack of shared parenting in the US.
The survey also reveals that more than half (51%) of all parents surveyed reported feeling intense social pressure on how they raise their babies. Across the 16 countries, 43% of respondents said becoming a parent was more difficult than they thought, and 62% said raising a child has a strong impact on family finances.
Furthermore, the index found that parenting does not get easier with a second child, with little difference in responses from first-time parents and parents with two or more children. The survey also tracked the mental health perception of new parents, with 32% reporting that they felt lonely in the first months and 25% of new mothers reporting suffering from postpartum depression.
The Nestlé index serves as a reminder that becoming a parent exposes individuals to various factors beyond their control. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these challenges, particularly for working parents who have had to leave their jobs due to school and childcare closures.
To support parents worldwide, it is essential to invest in the care economy and implement policies that promote fair parental leave, flexible working options, and societal support.
