What does today’s ‘village’ raise a child look like?

Today’s parents are reinventing what it means to rely on their “village” when it comes to raising a child, a new study finds.

According to a survey of 2,000 parents of children aged 0-6, 78% agree that the definition of a village – or their community and support system – is different today than when they were growing up.

In fact, another 86% of parents say they have a different type of support system today than their own parents.

Growing up, respondents recall spending more time with their grandmothers (60%), grandfathers (41%), aunts (51%) and uncles (41%), as well as their parents’ best friend ( 38%).

In total, they can remember an average of eight different people who were regularly involved in their lives as children, and most (86%) are still in some contact with their childhood village.

But today, parents rely on an average of seven different people, and fewer of them are relatives.

Moms (54%) and dads (34%) still top the list, but today’s parents are more likely to rely on their friends (33%) or best friends (30%) than aunts or uncles ( 29%). .

However, 29% of parents find it difficult to make new friends today. Their inner circle most often includes friends they made after having children (24%). Interestingly, parents are more likely to spend time with their childhood friends (15%) than with friends they made in adulthood before having children (14%), their teenage crew (9%) and even also their college friends (6%). .

In fact, 83% say their child making a new friend results in forming a friendship with their parents at least a few times.

Conducted by Talker Research on behalf of The Goddard School, the survey took a deep dive into the make-up of today’s villages and aimed to find out what the modern-day version looks like.

Four in five (81%) of all parents surveyed believe it is essential to have a support system when it comes to raising their child, and a further 43% believe parenting is harder today than it was before their parents.

About a quarter of parents (27%) rely less on family members for support than their own parents for reasons such as not having a close relationship with their family (33%) or their family members having other responsibilities and are too busy to help (32%). A quarter (25%) made the conscious decision to do things differently from their parents and rely less on their family.

On the other hand, 47% choose to rely more on their family. Many (41%) simply want a deep family connection, while others find it easier because they and their partner work full-time (31%) and it’s more cost-effective (29%).

The good news is that parents are reaping the benefits of their villages. The vast majority (87%) believe that their support system has improved their child’s social and emotional development.

Increased support also enables parents to spend more quality time with their child (36%), complete tasks such as cooking, cleaning or chores (33%) and be a better or more present parent ( 31%).

“Raising children today is like steering a ship through a storm; “It can be turbulent and stressful, and without a compass to guide your ship — or a strong support system to help you parent — it’s easy to lose your way,” said Dr. Lauren Loquasto, senior vice president and chief academic officer at The Goddard School. “I encourage all parents to take full advantage of their entire network, including their school and childcare provider, to help them navigate their parenting journey.â€

Almost three-quarters (74%) of parents surveyed currently have their child enrolled in a school or childcare provider.

Of these parents, 89% say their child’s school or childcare provider plays a role in their village and they rely on them for support or guidance an average of 12 times a month.

But even so, almost two-thirds (65%) of parents want their child’s school or childcare provider to offer more opportunities to connect with other parents.

Family gatherings and social events (45%), educational workshops for parents and their children (36%), and celebrations and cultural events (35%) topped the list of opportunities parents would enjoy.

“Schools and child care providers have not only an opportunity, but a responsibility, to provide their families with support, guidance and resources to help children and parents develop into the best versions of themselves,” Loquasto said. “We are committed to fostering a community where families feel supported and connected. Parenting is a journey and while bumps and detours are inevitable, a strong village goes a long way to help make the journey as smooth and rewarding as possible for the whole family.â€

Survey methodology:

Talker Research surveyed 2,000 parents of children aged 0-6; survey was commissioned by The Goddard School and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between October. 11 to October. 18, 2024.