Parenting
Understanding the parent experience
Parenting is one of the most influential factors on a child's health and development.
Quality of parenting
In 2011, a survey in the KFL&A area found that:
64.6% of parents devoted 5 or more minutes of time to their child, just for fun, many times a day.
76.3% of parents laughed with their child many times each day.
29.5% played with their child many times each day.
Parenting services
There were fewer activities targeting:
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single parents,
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fathers,
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parents new to Canada, and
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parents in rural communities.
Survey of parents
51% of all parents surveyed were not aware of parenting presentations or workshops in their community in 2014.
78% of parents surveyed stated they would like to receive parenting advice from family and friends.
75% of parents surveyed stated they would like to receive parenting advice from health care providers.
88% of parents surveyed with children 0 to 3 years of age, felt that most or all of their parenting needs were met in 2014. Their preferred ways to receive advice were organized drop-ins and websites.
77% of parents surveyed with children 4 to 7 years of age, felt that most or all of their parenting needs were met in 2014. Their preferred ways to receive advice were presentations or workshops and organized drop-ins.
76% of parents surveyed with children 8 to 12 years of age, felt that most or all of their parenting needs were met in 2014. Their preferred ways to receive advice were presentations or workshops and websites.
69% of parents surveyed with children 13 to 18 years of age, felt that most or all of their parenting needs were met in 2014. Their preferred ways to receive advice were presentations or workshops and websites.
Largest barriers to using parenting supports:
- Time of day
- Being too busy
- Cost
- Child care
- Transportation
- Location
- Difficulty finding out which supports are available
Families with lower income and single parents reported experiencing more barriers.
Why does this matter?
All parents need support within our community. This data helps us understand how parents want to be supported, and what gaps exist in our community.
Data sources used
- KFL&A Positive Parenting Surevy
- Rapid Risk Factor Surveillance System (RRFSS)
- KFL&A Parenting Resources Environmental Scan
A full reference list and a print or digital copy of the report is available through Child and Babytalk in KFL&A.
More information about the data sources used is available online.