Pew Finds 70% of U.S. Working Parents Handle Childcare Tasks at Work
Updated
Updated · Pew Research Center · Jun 16
Pew Finds 70% of U.S. Working Parents Handle Childcare Tasks at Work
1 articles · Updated · Pew Research Center · Jun 16
Summary
70% of full-time U.S. working parents say they handle parenting-related tasks while working, and 59% say they also deal with work tasks when they are with their children.
54% say balancing work and family is difficult, with 60% saying they spend too little time with their children and nearly half missing kids’ activities because of work obligations.
62% of full-time working moms report difficulty balancing work and family, versus 47% of dads; in dual full-time different-sex couples, 52% say the mom does more parenting tasks and 43% say she does more household chores.
24% of full-time working parents say they have a lot of flexibility to work from home when needed, while lower-income parents are least likely to have benefits such as paid leave or health insurance and most likely to fear lost pay if childcare fails.
The findings come from a March 2-15 survey of 2,242 working parents and reflect pressures on a group that makes up 73% of U.S. parents with children under 18.
As courts rule in-person work is essential, what future does telework truly have for American parents?
Does motherhood create a professional 'advantage' rather than the widely reported penalty?
With paid leave expanding state by state, what is the next major hurdle for America's working families?
Work-Family Overlap in 2026: Majority of U.S. Parents Face Persistent Struggles, with Mothers and Low-Income Families Hit Hardest
Overview
In June 2026, U.S. working parents face a daily struggle as work and family responsibilities increasingly overlap. Most parents find it hard to manage these competing demands, and many say family obligations prevent them from fully focusing on their jobs. This challenge is made worse by difficulties in finding affordable childcare, especially during school breaks, and by the high cost of summer programs. The constant juggling affects parents’ well-being, mental health, and career growth. These pressures are widespread, showing that the work-family balance remains a major issue for families across the country.