Poll Reports

Over half of parents did not receive guidance from their child’s doctor or a dentist about when to start dentist visits. Professional guidance was more common among parents with higher income, education, and private dental insurance. 1 in 6 parents who did not receive guidance from health care providers believed children should delay dentist visits until age 4 years or older.

One in 4 parents of teens of driving age say their teen is registered to be an organ donor. Misconceptions about medical care, potential suffering and cost are major parental concerns about organ donation. Only 17% of parents of younger children said they would like to learn more about organ donation.

Less than half of parents posted key emergency contact information in an easy-to-see location for the babysitter. Parents who lived more than 15 minutes from an ER were less likely to post key contact information than those in close proximity. In response to an urgent medical situation while babysitting, many adults would call the child's doctor or Poison Control, or bring the child to the ER.

Location in a sketchy area or having a gun on the premises of a childcare or preschool would be deal-breakers for most parents. Only half of parents were confident that they could tell if a childcare or preschool is safe and healthy. 2 out of 3 parents agreed that it’s hard to find childcare options with the characteristics they want.

Only half of parents were confident that they would know what to do if their child were choking. 1 in 10 parents would take their young child immediately to the ER for a minor burn. Parents with recent first aid training were more confident they would know what to do to handle their child’s urgent medical situations.

Parents are more confident that their child's school can provide first aid (77%) than assist a student having an asthma attack (58%) or a mental health problem (38%). Parents view school nurses as most likely to provide first aid or handle an asthma attack, but are less sure about which staff would assist with mental health issues. Parents may overestimate the amount of time a school nurse is onsite at their child's school.

1 in 3 parents are very concerned about bullying/cyberbullying for their children. Black parents cite racial inequities as the top health concern for their children. Involvement of their child in a motor vehicle accident is a common concern for many parents.

Most parents think their teen has received all recommended vaccines, despite national data suggesting otherwise. Over one third of parents do not know when or if their teen is due for another vaccine. Parents expect child health providers to guide them on teen vaccines, by scheduling appointments or sending reminders.

6 in 10 mothers have been criticized about parenting their young child, most commonly by family members. Discipline is the most common topic of criticism, followed by diet/nutrition and sleep. Half of criticized mothers say they avoid people who are too critical.

80% of White parents say their child can swim independently, compared to 66% of Hispanic and 49% of Black parents. More White parents report their child has ever taken swimming lessons compared with Hispanic and Black parents. 37% of parents would allow their child to go into the water in a home/neighborhood pool or hotel pool without an adult present.