Parents’ Poll: What’s Your Biggest Challenge in Raising Your Kids?
Results of the survey:
More than 35% of you said that your biggest challenge is to find enough time to spend with your kids and still do everything else.
Another 27% said that "helping my children feel confident in their own abilities" was their top challenge.
Parents responded to the other choices offered as well, with 20% checking "encouraging my children to understand social norms and rules," 17% indicating "maintaining a sense of family despite outside distractions," and 13% saying "making sure my children are doing well in school." If you notice that the numbers add up to more than 100%, it's because some parents couldn't resist checking more than one answer.
In addition, many of you wrote in "other" responses. Several of you shared your concerns about negative influences, for instance, "dealing with a culture that wants our children to grow up faster and faster" and giving kids "self-confidence to be themselves regardless of peer pressure." Some of you expressed your fears about drugs, bullying, alcohol, and the other effects of a "not so virtuous" society.
There are those of you coping with special needs, such as a child's autism and health problems. Others are grappling with "behavior management" issues and setting limits. Some of you shared dismay about your kids facing teasing or rejection by peers, in one case because your family comes from a different culture from those who live nearby.
We heard loud and clear your desire to protect your children and see them grow up strong and capable.