Majority of Finnish parents with small children doing well

The majority of parents with small children are doing well in Finland, said a press release issued by the National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) quoting a study findings.

They are more content with their family life and achievements in life than other adults of the same age. They also lead a partially healthier life than other adults, according to the extensive FinHealth Study 2017.

The findings of this population study on parents of small children (families with at least one child aged under seven years) are now published.

The birth rates in Finland have declined significantly starting from 2011. In 2018, the birth rate was at a record low: 1.41 children were born per woman.

“There has been a lot of discussion about the declining birth rates and the reasons behind them. The media often paints a very burdensome picture of the everyday life of families with small children. The study shows, however, that the majority of parents with small children are doing well”, said senior researcher Annamari Lundqvist.

The study found that nearly 90 per cent of the parents of small children rate their quality of life as good or very good. Eighty-four per cent of mothers with small children (compared to 76 per cent of other women) and 87 per cent of the fathers (compared to 78 per cent of other men) are content with their family life. Eighty-two per cent of mothers with small children (compared to 69 per cent of other women), and 78 per cent of the fathers (compared to 58 per cent of other men) are satisfied with their achievements in life.

According the study findings, parents of small children are equally satisfied with their financial situation than other adults. Forty-three per cent of mothers and 52 per cent of fathers with small children are satisfied with their financial situation.

Six per cent of mothers and seven per cent of fathers of small children experience mental strain, while 12 per cent mothers and six per cent fathers experience signs of depression, found the research.