THE 'GUILTY TRUTH' - New Research Reveals Top Reasons for Parental Guilt

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Sep 13, 2017, 12:30 ET

ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga., Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Children may see their parents as superheroes, but moms and dads across America would readily admit they're far from perfect. In fact, new research by Farm Rich reveals American parents feel an average of 23 pangs of guilt every single week over decisions they feel weren't quite up to standard.

The new national survey of 2,000 parents of school-aged children, commissioned by Farm Rich, found:

The Guilty Truth - American parents feel an average of 23 pangs of guilt every single week over decisions they feel weren’t quite up to standard.

Children may see their parents as superheroes, but moms and dads across America would readily admit they’re far from perfect. New research by Farm Rich reveals American parents feel an average of 23 pangs of guilt every single week over decisions they feel weren’t quite up to standard with 75 percent of parents feeling pressured to be “perfect” from friends, family and social media. And according to the survey, back-to-school time can add to the pressure parents feel.

75 percent of parents feel pressured to be "perfect" from friends, family and social media
1 in 4 have had their decisions questioned by other parents
31 percent of Millennial parents regularly compete with other parents on social media
When it comes to famous role models, the celebrity parents respondents most look up to are Barack and Michelle Obama

Parenting Pangs
When rating their own skills, 25 percent of parents find themselves second-guessing their decisions on a regular basis, with losing their temper being the #1 source of guilt. With a third being so busy with work that they've missed their child's activities, sports games or teacher meetings, the results show that not being home enough is another top reason behind parental guilt. Moms are more than twice as likely to feel bad about giving their kids too much screen time with electronics, nagging kids over chores, and not making enough home-cooked meals.

Food for Thought
While the average parent cooks four meals per week, 70 percent say they would make home-cooked meals every day if they had the time – but realistically have only about 30 minutes to prepare meals on a school night.

63 percent of parents say something as simple as making a home-cooked dinner makes them feel like a supermom or superdad
1 in 3 parents treat their family to a special weekend meal or a trip to a restaurant to make up for feelings of guilt
Waking up early to serve kids a good breakfast also makes parents feel successful
Around 50 percent say their goal for this school year is to eat as a family three times a week; and 6 in 10 say they will try and serve a home-cooked meal every week night

School-Day Striving
According to the survey, back-to-school time can add to the pressure parents feel.

2 out of 3 parents believe they must send kids back to school with a memorable summer experience and a backpack full of all new supplies
A third of parents say that work has caused them to miss a key school activity, sports game or teacher meeting
Not being home enough is another top reason behind parental guilt

"Today's moms and dads are under more pressure than ever to be and do everything for their kids, and do it well," said Shannon Gilreath, Farm Rich Director of Marketing. "But parenting isn't a one-size-fits-all strategy. Doing the best you can often is the best – and parents need to recognize and celebrate all the things they do well and give themselves permission to let go of some of the guilt and set more realistic expectations. Kids likely won't remember the details of what was served for dinner, but rather the time spent together as a family."

The Social Struggle is Real
For parents, social media can be a benefit but also a curse:

1 in 5 parents admit to competing with other parents on social media by posting photos and videos of their "happy" family
Older Millennials and GenX parents say they're more likely to experience inspiration and happiness from the social posts of other parents
Younger Millennial parents, on the other hand, are more likely to experience negative emotions such as guilt and jealousy
Overall, parents who use Facebook experience the most guilt
62 percent say that if they have something to be proud of when it comes to their parenting, they'll likely post about it on social media

Other key findings from the survey:

TOP 10 THINGS PARENTS FEEL GUILTY OVER

Losing my temper
Not playing enough with my children
Not being home enough
Letting my children have too much screen time
When I don't feel like I'm being a good role model
Not being able to take my children on more vacations or outings
When I don't have time to make home-cooked meals
Not reading enough to and with my children
Letting my kids eat junk food
Working too much

TOP FIVE QUALITIES THAT MAKE A 'GOOD' PARENT

Being present for my kids
Being a good listener and giving good advice
Being available to help with daily homework
Attending all or most of my children's academic, social and extracurricular activities
Being able to take my children on vacation

TOP FIVE CELEBRITY PARENTS AMERICAN MOMS AND DADS ADMIRE MOST

Barack and Michelle Obama
Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds
Prince William and Kate Middleton
Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell
Beyoncé and Jay-Z

See the Parental Guilt survey video here.

The Farm Rich-sponsored survey was conducted in August 2017 by OnePoll, with a sample of 2,000 parents of school-age kids.

About Farm Rich

A division of Rich Products, Farm Rich is one of the nation's leading frozen snacks and appetizers brands. The company is based in St. Simons Island, Ga., and features a full portfolio of frozen snack, appetizer and bakery products sold at grocery and club stores nationwide. Farm Rich Snacks are Real-Life Good™, made with wholesome, great-tasting ingredients the whole family loves. For products, nutritional information, recipe inspirations and more, visit FarmRich.com.

SOURCE Farm Rich