How are kids around the world being raised today – and what does that mean for the future?

These questions were the focus of our newest study on kids and families, Are We There Yet?: Today’s Parents, Tomorrow’s Kids. This project is based on a survey of over 8,000 parents of kids age 12 and under in 16 countries, as well as expert interviews and an in-depth literature review.

Key findings from the project include:

Global perspectives on raising kids. Today, kids come first in their households. And while family life is rewarding for parents, it sure isn’t easy.

Kids’ relationship with their parents. Parents are giving kids more say in household decisions and offering them more guidance on how to navigate the world. As a result, families have become closer.

The tensions that impact kids and families today. Parents worry about a lot – leading to a range of conflicting priorities that they try to balance for their kids.

How kids’ upbringing today differs from the past. In some ways, today’s parents say their priorities are similar to those of their parents. But their relationships with their kids are much more open, and their approach to rules is more flexible.

The qualities parents want to instill in kids – and themselves! A range of qualities are being encouraged in both boys and girls today. Parents themselves want to become better at parenting – and told us how they think they could improve.

What’s next for kids’ futures. Parents wish for their kids to have health and happiness above all else. And they think this generation of kids will be the best one yet in some important ways…

Are We There Yet? will launch at the Kidscreen Summit in Miami. We’ll cover its findings in more detail in future blog posts.