This archive report was first published on 25 July 2021.
Parenting is a life-changing experience that affects individuals worldwide, but the challenges and support systems vary greatly depending on the country.
According to Nestlé's Parenting Index, which surveyed over 8,000 mothers and fathers of babies aged 0-12 months from January 14 to February 27, 2020, Sweden ranks 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 subsidizes childcare, making it easier for parents to balance work and family responsibilities.
Sweden's commitment to gender equality is also reflected in its public spending on childcare, which accounts for 1.6% of its GDP, second only to Finland. This emphasis on shared parenting and support for working parents contributes to the country's ranking as one of the most gender-equal countries in the world, according to the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report 2021.
Chile, Germany, Mexico, and the US follow closely behind in the Parenting Index's top five. While these countries have their strengths, no group of parents reports a perfect parenting environment. The survey highlights the need for continued support and investment in the care economy to alleviate the pressures faced by parents worldwide.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the challenges faced by parents, particularly women, who have been forced to leave their jobs due to school and childcare closures. To address these issues, it is essential to implement fair parental leave policies, flexible working options, and invest in the care economy to provide parents with the support they need to focus on the joys of parenting.
