Nurturing Parental Well-Being in North Carolina

Capita

Photo by Jonathan Borba

Challenge

During the early years of a child’s life, the quality and nature of their relationships play a critical role in shaping their long-term development and well-being. Parents serve as the cornerstone of these formative relationships, making their own health and well-being essential. A crucial aspect of parental flourishing lies in the strength of their social connections, serving as a buffer against mental health issues and an avenue for material and emotional support. While social connections have always been integral to society, modern developments like the rise of social media have revolutionized how we form and rely on these connections. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, families and communities are also rebuilding their social ties and disrupted support systems. It is imperative to deepen our understanding of the link between social connectedness and the well-being of both parents and children, particularly in this critical juncture. Capita, a think tank dedicated to promoting the well-being of young families and children, aimed to explore the state of parental well-being in North Carolina. However, they faced the challenge of gathering comprehensive data and insights to inform their initiatives effectively.

Solution

Capita commissioned Openfields to conduct a survey of nearly 800 North Carolina parents, half of whom were parents of young children. The survey aimed to explore social connection, trust, civic and community engagement, and well-being. Leveraging various analytical techniques, including factor analysis, Openfields compared social connectedness between parents of young children and the wider population. They also evaluated feelings of loneliness and social involvement across different generational cohorts, and examined the experiences of parents of young children from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. The survey revealed some key findings:

More than one-third of parents of young children (36%) experience loneliness.

Loneliness is more prevalent among Gen Z parents (46%) than older ones (34%).

Nearly half of Gen Z parents with young children are single parents.

Single parents (44%) were significantly lonelier than married/partnered parents (33%).

Over a quarter of parents lacked a trusted source for parenting advice.

Participation in community activities did not significantly reduce feelings of loneliness.

Impact

Through data analysis and interpretation, Openfields derived critical insights into the state of parental well-being and social connection in North Carolina. Their findings were compiled into a comprehensive report entitled, “The Ties That Bind and Nuture,” which has been widely disseminated among key leaders in the early childhood sector, including organizations like Ascend at the Aspen Institute. The study underscores the importance of addressing the challenges of loneliness and solidarity to support the well-being of families and children in North Carolina and beyond. By guiding targeted interventions and policy initiatives, the study will catalyze positive change and foster stronger, more supportive communities for parents and young children.