Hello Bello - State of Parenthood

person vs. parent

Parents are searching for balance between personal and parenting identities.

“I absolutely always combine roles. Parenting is a juggling act. Being a mother is a combination of many, many roles all the time. Raising humans is rough. Combine that with maintaining an intimate/romantic relationship with a partner and it can be overwhelming but rewarding. Throw in work? I'm perpetually exhausted. But I'm happily fulfilled…I do sometimes feel like I am losing myself and that is part of the constant balance struggle.”

31, Female, Millennial

Unlike previous generations, self-care is now a top concern for parents.

The majority of parents have continued their hobbies since having kids, doing them either with or without their kids. (57-65%).

However, just because it’s a priority does not mean me-time is easily achieved.

of parents say it's difficult to carve out time for themselves making it the top reason why parents find parenting to be hard (tied with financial stress).

Time for yourself isn't selfish, it's necessary.

“Just because you are a mommy doesn’t mean that is all you are. You are someone who deserves to make themself happy as well. Your kids are your world, but you don’t have to forget who you are.”

24, Female, Gen Z

the romance rewrite

download the report

Illustration of two wine glasses clinking.

Romance isn’t dead, it’s just different.

Finding intimacy through shared meaning and purpose is a common thread.

Parents are more likely to prioritize alone time over dates.

Despite the lack of dates, parents are still prioritizing keeping romance alive by redefining it.

76% of parents still think they have somewhat of a romantic life.

49% of parents rate their romantic life as strong, even.

Illustration of two hearts in chat bubbles.

“I am…a wife which includes being a lover, support system, friend, partner, companion.”

31, Female, Millennial

the flipped work script

download the report

Illustration of hand holding a briefcase.

Parents today prioritize "working to live" over "living to work".

Most parents feel their role as a parent has a larger reflection on their identity than what they do for work.

The demands on parents demand workplace shifts.

56% of parents say becoming a parent has made them a more valuable employee.

19% of parents say parenting decreases their employment value.

“I don’t feel limited to staying home and cooking and cleaning. I can do whatever makes me happy and so can my spouse.”

30, Female, Millennial

Parents see their role as parents as a valuable benefit to employers and expect to see those benefits returned.

dive into section three

download the report

pushing for progress

“I hope to raise good people, and feel confident that I have taught my children how to be good members of society and live on their own independently.”

24, Female, Gen Z

Parents are defining and implementing the tactics that worked and did not work for them as children.

When prompted to select the top two child traits that best indicate successful parenting, parents believe:

While parenting philosophies may differ, parents share a common goal of raising good humans.

"I hope to raise good people, and feel confident that I have taught my children how to be good members of society and live on their own independently."

24, Female, Gen Z

the stress test

download the report

There’s no way around it, parenthood is stressful.

With money and time as the leading stressors, parents also rated the following aspects of parenting as particularly difficult

While a majority of parents are generally stressed about money, Gen Z and single parents are more concerned about affording the basics.

41% of parents are kept up at night regularly worrying about being able to afford essentials. (51% of Gen Z and 52% of single parents).

"I worry about police brutality, injustice, and inequality." – 31, Male, Millenial

54% of parents say that "anxiety about children's health and safety" is a difficult aspect of parenting.

Ultimately, parents are responsible for the lives of their children. Stress is inevitable.

“It is now more expensive than before to raise a child in these times of growing uncertainty and inflation.”

34, Male, Millennial

the principle of parenthood

download the report

In spite of increasing challenges, parents are still motivated.

The majority of parents cite four top reasons they are able to maintain their motivation.

Hispanic parents are more motivated than average respondents.

Hispanic parents are more likely to be driven by wanting to be a better parent than they had.

One Hispanic parent said:

“I am truly motivated as a parent because I love my kids and want only the best for them, so they can be happy and good [people] in...society.”

30, Female, Millennial

Acknowledging differences among cohorts, it is clear that the Principle of Parenthood is that love and purpose drive parents, and while parents know they’re not perfect, they’re motivated to do their best.

dive into section four

download the report

it (still) takes a village

“[W]henever I see myself overloaded or overwhelmed I'm not afraid to ask for help. Try to find the resources and the right people to do it. And try to always put them first.”

30, Female, Millennial

Parents are not only finding strength in other parents, but they’re seeking support from existing personal networks.

A large majority of parents participate in parent groups.

“To be the kind of parent I want to be I wish that parenting groups were available for me and my family.”

30, Female, Millennial

How parents rate the quality of parenting advice they’ve received:

“When I need help staying motivated I turn to my husband and my sister because they always give me good advice and push me to get my goals.”

30, Female, Millennial

Community plays a vital role in parental success and family well-being.

see our conclusions

download the report