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Newton Today
By the People, for the People
81% of Working Parents Report Shrinking 'Village' for Child Care
Bright Horizons survey finds modern families struggle to find reliable, formal child care options
Published on Mar. 9, 2026
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A new survey from Bright Horizons Family Solutions found that 81% of working parents report the 'village' of people they can rely on for child care during the workday has shrunk compared to previous generations. The research reveals that family dynamics have shifted, putting added pressure on working parents who now feel at the mercy of others or guilty for having to ask for help with child care. Many working parents wish they had more reliable, formal care options and want their employers to play a bigger role in supporting their 'parenting village'.
Why it matters
The decline of the traditional 'village' to help raise children is a growing concern for working parents, who are increasingly stressed about finding consistent, dependable child care. This trend highlights the need for more employer-provided child care resources and formal care options to support modern families.
The details
The Bright Horizons survey found that 63% of working parents wish they had more reliable, formal care for their children during the workday, and 65% wish their employer provided more resources like on-site child care or backup care options. Many parents also feel they are at the mercy of others' generosity (62%) and are constantly stressed about what they would do if their regular child care fell through (56%). The research indicates the 'village' of family, friends and neighbors that has traditionally helped raise children is no longer as consistently available, leaving families without a safety net.
- The Bright Horizons survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll between January 8 – 12, 2026.
The players
Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Inc.
A leading provider of high-quality early education and child care, comprehensive back-up care solutions, and educational advisory services.
Stephen Kramer
CEO of Bright Horizons.
The Harris Poll
The research firm that conducted the survey on behalf of Bright Horizons.
What they’re saying
“Forward‑thinking employers are redefining what it means to support the modern workforce. As the needs of working parents continue to evolve, they deserve dependable care solutions that allow them to thrive both at work and at home.”
— Stephen Kramer, CEO, Bright Horizons (Bright Horizons)
What’s next
The Bright Horizons Modern Family Index research study will continue to explore the evolving needs of working parents and the role employers can play in supporting them.
The takeaway
The decline of the traditional 'village' to help raise children is putting increased stress on working parents, highlighting the need for more employer-provided child care resources and formal care options to support modern families.
