Parents feel under pressure to ensure children reach developmental targets on time
PARENTS have lost sleep worrying about their children reaching milestones – because of pressure from other parents and social media.
A study of 1,000 mums and dads found 29% worried about whether their baby learned to roll over at the ‘right time’ and nearly a quarter were apprehensive about when they should start to walk. Potty training and sleeping through the night were other main milestones parents were concerned their kids weren’t meeting ‘on time’.
But 49% admitted they have lost sleep over the rate of their child’s advancement.
And while a quarter said they put the pressure on themselves, 34% had their fears heightened by friends who have children, while 33% worried more as a result of social media.
Nicole Hallak from Pampers, which commissioned the research ahead of the launch of the new Pampers Active Fit range, says: “It’s clear that parents are incredibly keen to give their children the best start in life.
“It’s important to remember that babies and children develop at different rates and not to let their own expectations, or those of others, cause undue stress.”
The study also found that 45% of parents worried their child didn’t develop at the rate they should have, with more than eight in 10 comparing their child to others the same age.
And more than half even consulted a
health professional about their baby’s suspected overdue advancement.
Nearly a quarter of those polled, via Onepoll, admitted to stressing too much about milestones, with 24% easily influenced by friends and family.
It also emerged 55% of parents feel they’ve benefited from being at home more during the pandemic as they have witnessed more of their child’s milestones than they would have done before.
Nicole, adds: “The positive impact of recent changes to parents’ working patterns means they have been more present to witness and help their babies develop.”