Consulting

32.7 million families  included children under the age of 18

(nearly 2/5 of all families)

66.5%

of families, both parents work outside of the home*

In 2004

Parents Are Not OK

Parents can’t do their best work.

Employers
Can Help

4

US Parents

(ie food, rent, mortgage)*

1

in

said there have been times in the past year when they did not have enough money for basic needs 

26%

In the last decade, 

child care prices have grown by approximately

Parents dedicate an average of

hours
per
week

to employed work or engaging in work related activities

33

1
2

among fathers

154%

With this level of pressure,

among mothers

40%

From 1985 to 2022,

Parents are facing an unprecedented level of stress. America’s economy now requires most families to be two-parent working households. At the same time, our culture now requires near-constant supervision from parents. Between work and active childcare, parents have no time and little bandwidth. Additionally, the cost of childcare has increased creating further financial strain and pressure.

*Employment Characteristics of Families, US Bureau of Labor and Statistics 

time spent weekly on primary child care has increased by  

*from the Care.com 2026

How This Effects Your Business:

91%

have thought about leaving a job.*

84%

the majority (84%) say they would have a more fulfilling career if child care became free tomorrow*

52%

say their career ambitions have dimmed because of care logistics and cost*

59%

As a result, more than half say they resent the workplace due to care-related pressures*

61%

Among the

of parents who earn income: