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Raising the Next Generation: White Parents and Caregivers

Optimism about the Future

White parents and caregivers surveyed express optimism about the future of the country for their children. They have a sense of pride in their families and say they frequently feel very lucky to be parents.

Q: Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: “I am optimistic about the future of this country for my children.”?

Case sizes: <250% FPL (N=200); >250% FPL (N=200); Dads (N=199); Moms (N=201); Non-college (N=179); College+ (N=220); Parents of children 0-5 (N=119)

“I want [my daughter] to have more of a mission in life than me and I hope she can find that love or passion early … I also want her to give back to the world.” White focus group participant, California  

The Power of Place

The majority of White parents feel that their homes and communities offer them what they need to raise their families like healthy foods, safe places to play, and good schools. 

Q: Now think about where you live, your home and community. How well does each describe where you live? 

“I’d love to own my own house … If I could own the house I live in … I would love it because I love our school district.” White focus group participant, California

In addition to living in a safe place (only 14% feel that their home is unsafe), White parents in this study expect their children to benefit from having strong role models and enjoying a strong social support network. Yet, just half of White parents think it is very likely their children will have more opportunity to succeed than they did.  

Q: Now let me ask you about other experiences your children might have. How likely do you think it is that your children will experience the following during their childhood and teen years?

“Education doesn’t equal success, but it does equal opportunity. If we can educate them then it gives them a lot of opportunity to go wherever they decide to go in their lives.” White focus group participant, Colorado    

Mental Health Concerns 

White parents surveyed report being especially worried about their children struggling with anxiety, depression, and bullying as they grow up. More than 70% of White parents surveyed feel it is likely their children will experience anxiety and bullying, and more than 60% said the same for depression. 

Q: How likely do you think it is that your children are or will experience (the following/any of these) during their childhood and teen years? 

Concerns of Inequity and Bias

The majority of White parents and caregivers surveyed are worried that America doesn’t offer every child the same opportunity to succeed. And while they report dramatically less experiences with racism than people of color, half of White moms report being treated unfairly because of their gender.

Q: Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: “I try to give my children everything for them to succeed, but I worry that America doesn’t offer every child the same opportunities.”?

Q: Have you ever felt discriminated against or treated unfairly because of any of the following?

Full question options: Your race or ethnic background; Your gender; Your gender identity; Your income and financial situation; You are an immigrant; Your sexual orientation; Your religious or faith belief; The language you speak; The way you look

Looking Ahead

White parents and caregivers report that they rely on creative problem solving, their strong work ethic, and a willingness to ask for help when they hit tough times. Coupled with feelings of confidence that they are doing everything they can to help their children succeed, White parents and caregivers hold a positive outlook for the next generation.

Additional Reports by Race and Ethnicity

This study includes equal representation of parents and caregivers from five different racial and ethic backgrounds: White, as well as Asian American and Pacific Islander, Black, Indigenous, and Latino. Explore detailed reports of the survey findings for each group here.

About the Study

“Raising the Next Generation: A Survey of Parents and Caregivers” examines what it is like to raise children in America today by asking questions to equal numbers of parents and caregivers from five different racial and ethnic groups: Asian American and Pacific Islander, Black, Indigenous, Latino, and White. The survey builds on interviews and focus groups conducted over an 18-month period in 16 cities and in seven different languages with parents and caregivers from more than a dozen racial, ethnic, or cultural backgrounds. The survey and qualitative research were conducted by the nonpartisan research firm PerryUndem and a broad set of partners with culturally specific expertise.


White Parents and Caregivers