The latest State of Childhood Report 2025 by Bright Horizons Work and Family Solutions found that 75 percent of parents worry about their child’s mental health, and that 70 percent of those with preschool and primary-aged children expect their employers to provide support.
The study noted an increasing pressure on working parents, with concerns extending across all age groups. Parents are also looking for employer support in developing their own parenting skills, with three-quarters of those with children aged 0-4 expecting assistance in this area. The report urges employers to address these concerns by implementing family-friendly policies that reduce stress and improve productivity.
The report suggests that workplace support – including back-up care, expert advice lines, and additional tutoring – could help parents balance work and caregiving responsibilities. With many employees seeking assistance beyond traditional work-life balance measures, businesses that invest in comprehensive family support may benefit from improved engagement, retention, and overall workforce wellbeing.
Mental Health and Education Among Top Concerns
The report identifies mental health as a primary concern for parents, with worries spanning early childhood to late adolescence. A significant proportion of parents also express concerns about their children’s education, with 71 percent highlighting the need for additional academic support following disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This concern has continued to rise over the past year.
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In addition to mental health and education, 70 percent of parents worry about their child’s social skills, while 67 percent are concerned about physical health. These concerns underline the need for broader support mechanisms that extend beyond the workplace, as parents seek reassurance that their children are developing essential life skills in an increasingly complex world.
The State of Childhood Report 2025 explores the skills parents believe are crucial for their children’s success. Social skills, resilience, and problem-solving rank as top priorities. However, generational differences exist, with older parents valuing interpersonal skills more, while younger parents place greater emphasis on creativity and problem-solving. These differences may reflect the ages of their children and shifting expectations in the workplace.
With employers playing a critical role in shaping the future workforce, the report suggests that organisations should consider how their policies support both employees and their children in developing these key competencies.
Workplace Support: A Growing Expectation
The findings indicate a shift in workplace expectations, with working parents prioritising support for their children over traditional work-life balance measures. The report highlights specific areas where employers can assist parents at different stages of their child’s development:
- Early years (baby to preschool) – Coaching on behaviour management, support with primary school transitions, and subsidised early years education.
- Primary school age – Holiday camps, mental health support, and additional tutoring.
- Secondary school age – Mental health support, further education guidance, and virtual revision camps.
Employers offering these types of support could help reduce stress among working parents, leading to increased productivity and lower absenteeism.
Jennifer Liston-Smith, Head of Thought Leadership at Bright Horizons, said, “Parents are unsure where to turn for support, and with their worries having an impact on their work, they are now looking to their employer for solutions. The findings of this report underscore the costly outcomes of parents’ unaddressed concerns about their children’s mental health. Consequences for employers include working parents’ decreased productivity and increased absenteeism.
“By addressing the immediate and long-term concerns of working parents, and equipping them with the necessary support, organisations can improve their productivity and employee engagement, strengthen their culture, promote inclusivity, and increase talent retention. Employers must take action now to protect the wellbeing and productivity of their workforce.”
