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Do children growing up in 21st century Wales get the emotional support they need at home?
The dynamics of family life and family relationships have changed a lot in the past 50 years. Fewer couples choose to marry. There are more lone parent families and more stepfamilies. Around one in four divorced fathers lose contact with their children. More mothers work and grandparents play an increasing role in providing childcare. With working hours in the UK longer than the rest of Europe, many parents also say they find it increasingly difficult to maintain a work-life balance.
Last updated: 31 March 2009
To find out more about family life today, BBC Wales commissioned the Institute of Welsh Affairs to carry out focus group research with children, parents and grandparents in three different parts of Wales. Many of the parents felt they had a better relationship with their children compared to previous generations. Another key finding was that parents worry about spending enough 'quality time' with their children in today's busy world.
You can read more about the research in our news section and download a full copy of the report which was published in March 2009 as part of BBC Wales's season of programming and online content on childhood.
Family life
Facts and figures
- 96% of adults say family life is very important to them. BBC/ICM Poll October 2007.
- 72% of adults think family life is less successful today than previous generations. BBC/ICM Poll October 2007.
- 56% of mothers with children under the age of 5 are working. Labour Force Survey 2005.
- 60% of grandparents look after a grandchild under 15 during the day. Welsh Assembly Government 'Report on Grandparenting', 2005.
See also
Elsewhere on the BBC
Elsewhere on the web
Videos about childhood in Wales today
