thrive in 2025

Our Kids Future

by the Numbers
This country gives us a lot to be proud of: freedom of speech and religion, for one thing; how we prize individualism, for another. But theres also much to worry about, including a faltering education system, an increase in poverty, and a rise in chronic health problems such as diabetes and asthma. Perhaps your family has been impacted by these issues, but even if it hasnt, theres no question that theyll ultimately affect all of our children. Thats why Parents partnered with the Too Small to Fail campaign, a program of The Center for the Next Generation in San Francisco, which aims to raise awareness about the state of Americas kids. We surveyed a national sample of more than 2,100 parents of children up to age 18 to find out how moms and dads feel about their kids lives today, and what concerns you have about their future. The findings opened our eyes.

how the recession has impacted families

worry

#1

Ive had to work longer hours and/or my partner has had to work longer hours.

Im unable to provide my kid(s) with the quality of education Id like.

My kids are not able to participate in some of the activities their friends participate in.

Ive had to return to work and/or my partner has.

Ive decided against having another child.

fear there arent enough jobs that pay enough to support a family.

of parents

90%

28%

21%

36%

13%

18%
we should work to prevent chronic diseases in childrenlike obesity and asthmabecause otherwise our country will face increased health-care costs and decreased productivity.
INFOGRAPHIC DESIGNED BY FRANK AUGUGLIARO.

middle-income families have had to add the most hours at work.

especially true of low-income families

1 IN 5 PARENTS

would spend an extra $101 or more in taxes for quality public schools and of those parents, 43% make less than $50,000 a year.

74% agree

december 2012

12 parents
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thrive in 2025
w hen asked if t h e g ov e r n m e n t i s d oi ng e nough f or ou r ch i l dr e n 3 ou t of 4 pa r e n ts said

faith - based organizations

7%

nonprofit/ charitable organizations

6%

extended family

5%

The percentage of parents who say that when it comes to ensuring our kids well-being, these groups get an

business

12%

No!
good-n ews al ert !

teachers

7%

state government

19%

70% of parents are satisfied with how their employer helps them balance work and family life
(through flexible hours or the ability to telecommute, for example).

parents

local government

19%

federal government

24%

money vs. t ime

w h at y o u d c h o o s e

an extra $10,000 each year would have the most positive impact on my familys future.

58 percent of parents like the idea of shortening kids summer break to six weeks so children can get more instruction throughout the year.

hispanics are more likely to say they prefer time over money.

33 % Time

Parents under age 39 are more optimistic.

37% think were headed in the right direction, versus 31% of parents 40 and older.

67% Money
among those earning less than $50,000, 73% feel money is more important. another hour of quality time each day would have the most positive impact on my familys future.

would spend at least $51 in additional ta xes to improve childr ens access to food stamps.

36% of parents

if this happened in real life, we could raise

$1,192,298,400!

december 2012

14 parents
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