Poll Reports

Nearly 4 in 10 parents say that in the past year their child has experienced negative consequences when angry. 7 in 10 parents feel they sometimes set a bad example of how to manage anger. 1 in 7 parents think their child gets angry more often than peers the same age.

Nearly 1 in 5 parents think their teen does not get enough protein. 2 in 5 parents say their teen has consumed protein supplements in the past year; this is higher for teen boys than girls. 1 in 3 parents use protein supplements themselves and are more likely to report their teen also consumes protein supplements.

1 in 5 parents say their child age 6-12 years has no friends or not enough friends. 3 in 4 parents have taken steps to help their child make new friends. 2 in 3 parents say it is important that their child’s friends come from families similar to theirs.

2 in 3 parents want their child’s healthcare provider to suggest ways to prevent their child from developing hereditary health conditions. Parents feel slightly more knowledgeable about their child’s family health history for medical conditions than mental health. Nearly half of parents express concerns about their child potentially developing a hereditary condition.

1 in 7 parents have had concerns about their child’s feet or the way they walk. Only 6 in 10 parents are very confident they can tell if shoes are the right fit for their child. Only 1 in 3 parents are very confident they can tell if their child has flat feet.

1 in 4 parents say their young child can’t go to sleep because of being worried or anxious. 1 in 5 parents give their young child melatonin to help with sleep. 1 in 3 parents stay in the room until their child goes to sleep.

1 in 4 parents say their teen consumes caffeine every day or nearly every day. 2 in 3 parents think they know whether their teen is consuming too much caffeine. 1 in 3 parents do not identify recommended caffeine limits for teens.

1 in 3 parents think that the standard American diet is healthy for children age 3-10. 1 in 8 parents make their child finish everything on their plate. 3 in 5 parents will make something different if their child does not like what other family members are eating.

1 in 5 parents consider if their child in middle or high school needs a mental health day when deciding whether they’re too sick to go to school. 1 in 4 parents think school attendance policies make it difficult for children with medical conditions. 2 in 3 parents say their child in middle or high school worries about the impact on grades if they are absent from school.

2 in 3 parents say their child uses headphones or earbuds. Among parents whose child uses headphones or earbuds, 1 in 6 say a typical day for their child includes at least 2 hours using an audio device. Only half of parents have tried to limit their child’s usage of audio devices.