Results from the 2026 National Parent Survey have been released, highlighting the needs, challenges, and aspirations of parents with young children in the U.S. to inform better public policies.

Parents of young children in the U.S. share common desires for more quality time and support, but systemic financial and work-related barriers hinder their ability to meet these needs. Parents overwhelmingly want more quality time with their children, with 72% expressing this wish.

Unsurprisingly, over half of parents identified cost as the primary barrier to ideal child care. Their ideal work, care, and leave arrangements varied widely, underscoring the importance of supporting a range of child care options, including formal, informal, home, and center settings.

Lower-income and parents of color face greater caregiving burdens; Over one-third (36%) of lower-income parents of young children also care for at least one older adult, versus 25% of higher-income parents. They also struggle more to meet basic needs, including housing, food, winter heating, and having enough time to spend with their children.

The report concludes by noting that effective public policy should address wage increases, parental leave, and affordable child care. Including parents’ voices in the policy process can lead to better solutions.

The full report is available at the New America website.