A recent survey conducted by the charity Unicef UK reveals that millions of parents in Britain are grappling with their mental health. The rising cost of living, a lack of childcare, and diminishing support services are among the factors contributing to their struggles.
According to the survey, 61% of respondents expressed concerns about their mental well-being, with those on lower incomes being the most affected. Over the past 12 months, parents reported feeling overwhelmed (49%), anxious (43%), unsupported (36%), and lonely (26%) for significant periods of time.
Furthermore, 70% of parents with babies and young children stated that being a parent in Britain is becoming increasingly challenging each year. Additionally, 70% believe that being a parent today is harder than it was for their own parents’ generation.
The survey, conducted by YouGov in July, involved 2,661 parents of children aged four and under in Britain.
Unicef UK’s chief executive, Jon Sparkes, emphasized the critical nature of the lack of support for families, particularly during babies’ and young children’s crucial developmental stages. He stated that this lack of support not only jeopardizes their life prospects but also adds immense pressure on families.
The escalating cost of living was cited as the most common reason why parents find it harder to raise children today (83%). Other challenges include a lack of childcare (68%), less quality time with children (64%), and a reduction in local support services (41%). Additionally, housing costs (78%) and the negative impact of social media (75%) were mentioned as factors making parenting more difficult for their generation.
Nearly two-thirds (68%) of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s support for parents of young children.
The survey also revealed that 30% of parents had to work longer hours in the past year due to financial pressures, leading to 37% having less time to engage in activities such as reading, playing, and cooking healthy meals with their children.
Sparkes emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that these findings provide a stark and distressing glimpse into the reality faced by many families with babies and young children. He stressed the importance of accessing essential services such as maternity care, health visits, mental health support, affordable childcare, and assistance for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). These services are not only vital for all families but particularly serve as a lifeline for those struggling financially or with mental health issues.
The research further highlighted alarming inequalities, with 94% of the poorest households reporting that the cost of living crisis negatively impacts their family life, compared to 78% of all parents with young children.
Sparkes expressed concern that the most disadvantaged families are facing the greatest difficulties and are least likely to receive support. He emphasized the need for urgent government action to address these gaps and prevent families from falling through the cracks, thereby safeguarding the future of their babies and children.
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