How do different generations parent differently?

Moms and dads question their parenting skills three times a week on average, according to new research.

The survey of 2,000 American parents with young children, 11 and under, uncovered some of their toughest struggles and biggest shocks while learning how to raise their kids.

In the study, the parents surveyed admitted to feeling like a “bad” parent three times per week, on average, totaling to 156 times per year.

Conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Celebree School (https://www.celebree.com), the study looked at the complexities of parenthood, how parents navigate it all and different parenting styles by generation.

The survey found that, although kids make their parents laugh 12 times per day, on average, respondents admitted to needing a break from their parenting duties twice a week.

Parents shared some of their indicators for knowing when they need a break from their kids, citing relatable things like “[it’s] when I begin to feel unnecessarily angry” and “when the stress makes me cry.”

Looking at the many sides of parenting, respondents said their most overwhelming struggles have been financial pressures (42%), the lack of personal time or self-care (34%) and balancing work and family responsibilities (34%).

They also shared that it’s been hard to manage parenting advice and expectations from others (16%) and their kids meeting developmental milestones (13%).

The average parent said they come across two situations with their kids per week that they have no clue how to handle and 45% confessed that parenthood has been more demanding than they expected.

Examining generational differences, 48% of Gen X and 46% of millennials surveyed said parenthood has been a bigger task than they thought it would be, compared to only 36% of Gen Z parents.

More than four in ten parents of young kids (41%) keep their frustrations about parenting all to themselves, with Gen Z parents (47%) being most likely to keep their struggles a secret and millennials (25%) sharing about them most openly.

And for those who have shared about their struggles in the past, many felt judged by their own parents (24%), partner (23%) and friends (15%) when opening up about their challenges.

Because of this, the majority of those (60%) said the feeling of being judged has made them think twice about sharing again in the future.

Along with that, many (39%) said they’d feel inadequate if they had to ask for advice about how to educate their child and or communicate with them.

However, respondents said they know they need to ask for extra support for their child when they’re feeling overwhelmed and frustrated (33%), they’ve tried everything they could on their own (27%) and when it’s recommended by a professional, like a doctor or teacher (12%).

“As the study shows, parents today are not only juggling daily responsibilities — they’re growing and learning right alongside their children,” said Kristen Miller, director of education at Celebree School. “While it’s natural to feel overwhelmed at times, it’s important to remember that parenthood is also filled with beautiful, rewarding moments. No one should have to navigate it alone — leaning on community and support can turn challenges into shared growth and joy.”

The research also uncovered that half of parents with young kids (50%) said that there’s an imbalance in their relationship when it comes to splitting parenting duties with their partner.

Looking closer, 41% said that they take on more parenting responsibilities than their partner does, with Gen Z parents and moms (both 45%) being most likely to report this, compared to older generations and dads.

“Parenting takes a village — it’s never meant to be done alone,” said Miller. “We hope conversations around the real struggles of parenting become more open, less stigmatized, and that families feel empowered to ask for help. As we grow in communities across the country, our goal is to be part of that village — offering guidance, support, and a safe space during one of the most rewarding and challenging stages of life.”