Parents’ biggest fears revealed as half lose sleep over their child’s development

Do you find yourself losing sleep over your child’s development?

If you do, you’re not alone.

Far from it, actually as new research shows that over half of parents, 55%, lose well-needed rest over the same thing.

The random double-opt-in survey and poll, commissioned by Primrose Schools and conducted by OnePoll, took 2,000 parents into account and found that 59% are concerned about their children's overall academic and character development.

The main concerns revolve around whether their children will learn to play fairly and cooperate with others (with 50% having this worry), have the skills to express themselves well (47%), and communicate with others adequately (49%).

The challenges parents face when supporting their children's development

• Creating a routine – 38%
• Teaching positive behaviours – 30%
• Planning activities – 25%
• Providing a consistent environment – 23%
• Building early literacy and math skills – 23%

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The study has also shown that almost all parents - 98% - understand the importance of the first five years of a child's life, especially when it comes to their development and future prospects.

Dr Amy Jackson, chief early learning strategy officer at Primrose Schools, said: "In the first five years of a child's life, parents have an opportunity to maximise the power and potential of this critical time.

“It's clear that parents want their children to learn important academic and character development skills while their brains are most receptive to learning, but we know many worry about finding the right approach."

The top 10 skills parents want their children to learn

• Sharing – 72%
• Verbal skills – 72%
• Numbers and shapes – 72%
• The alphabet – 67%
• Creativity – 60%
• Self-control and cooperation – 54%
• Appropriate self-expression – 54%
• Self-confidence – 54%
• Compassion – 51%

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Dr Jackson continued: "The experiences and connections children have in these early years will shape their academic, physical and social-emotional development - ultimately forming their foundation for learning and who they become."

Some parents in the study believe that by age two, their children should be able to interact with their peers, learn language skills and develop social skills.

By age three, some parents say their children should be able to grasp academic concepts.

55% of parents surveyed admitted their concerns about their children's development are stressful enough to stop them sleeping.

Where are parents getting their own support?

• Preschools/nurseries – 82%
• Immediate family – 88%
• Extended family – 37%
• Friendships – 33%

The most important thing is that as long as you're doing your best, you're doing a great job. You deserve a good night's sleep!