The
Happy
Factor
Moms around the world have surprisingly similar hopes and wishes for their children. How do we know? We asked them!
In a survey spanning seven countries, we asked 3,500 prenatal and
See what the moms had to say.
PLAY VIDEOHere’s what we learned …
Happiness
is the #1 quality moms
want for their children.
Over 50% of moms strongly agreed babies who are content are more able to explore and learn about the world.
Kindness
is one of the most important qualities moms want their child to develop in life.
Balancing the importance of intellectual intelligence, moms appear to place great value on raising a socially well-adjusted child, with respect, politeness and honesty ranking among the most desired qualities.
Playtime
Moms surveyed say
playtime is a great time to learn.
62% of moms strongly agreed that play helps children learn to interact with others, and 56% that play helps them learn how the world works.
Future
77% of moms think their baby will
have much better opportunities
to fulfill their potential compared
to the opportunities they had.
Access to a good education is the leading reason why moms surveyed are so optimistic about their child’s bright future.
Development
59% of moms agreed
development starts at birth.
A full 65% strongly agreed every baby grows and develops at their own pace, and 61% believe they play a strong role in preparing their child for school.
As it turns out, when it comes to the important stuff, moms around the world are more alike than they are different.
But the differences and cultural nuances that do exist are very interesting.Click on the pins to see what parenting truths stand out.
Moms in China placed a greater emphasis on tenacity and perseverance, with 61% strongly agreeing these are important traits for their child.
Moms in Mexico appeared to place a slightly higher importance on intelligence than moms surveyed in other countries.
Half of U.S. moms strongly agreed “parenting is a very hard job” – more than moms in any other country surveyed. While they may feel more pressure, they’re still optimistic about baby’s bright future.
Moms surveyed in Brazil agreed most strongly that “parents play a major role in preparing a child for school.” They appear confident in their innate parenting abilities.
Moms in the United Kingdom placed a higher emphasis on individualism than moms in most other countries surveyed.
Moms in France appear to take a relaxed and paced approach to parenting. Of all moms surveyed, they’re more “unplugged” and least likely to seek out parenting information.
Active and involved! More than all the other countries surveyed, Russian moms believe athleticism is a very important trait they want their baby to achieve in life.
Let’s learn from each other.
To find out more about moms’ attitudes and approaches to early childhood development around the world, read our survey findings.
VIEW AS PDF
We hosted a panel discussion in New York City with experts and advocates who are as passionate about the topic of early childhood development as we are (thanks, Shakira!). Our topic was findings from our research, “The Happy Factor: The New Millennial Mom Mindset on Development.” We’re sharing highlights from the forum here.
PLAY VIDEOOur panelists share their insights and expertise on early childhood development:
-
SHAKIRA
"Love is the most crucial thing ... Love gives kids a sense of security and
self-assurance that will help them thrive later on in life."Shakira, Founder of the Pies Descalzos (Barefoot) Foundation;
Grammy-winning singer-songwriter ; UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador; Member of the U.S. Presidential Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanics -
SARA HARKNESS
"As an anthropologist, one of our core beliefs is that people are the same everywhere. In the case of mothers, we all face the same kinds of challenges."
Sara Harkness, Ph.D., M.P.H., Professor of Human Development, Pediatrics and Public Health and Director of the Center for the Study of Culture, Health and Human Development at the University of Connecticut
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DR. LIU CHUNYANG
"EQ development is linked with children's achievement and happiness. In China we are seeing more moms are placing more emphasis on their children's EQ development."
Dr. Liu Chunyang, Chief Physician of the Health Center at the Beijing Children’s Hospital
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MARTHA DEBAYLE
"One of the most important things is quality time, which is sitting down playing with your child ... looking them in the eyes and listening to what they're saying."
Martha Debayle, National Radio Show Host in Mexico; Founder of bbmundo and MIO Magazines
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LESLIE SAWICKA
"All moms want to encourage their children to be curious and it's important to let them discover things by themselves."
Leslie Sawicka, Founder of Mayane Communication Agency and Editor of Parole de Mamans (the word of moms) Magazine & Social Network
Enriching the Early Years
We’ve created all of our toys and baby gear with your little one in mind, to help you create a world of rich experiences and well-rounded development.
Take a look at what other parents from all over the world have to say about giving their children the best possible start.
"Always being attentive to my child’s needs, but knowing when not to interfere." - from Brazil
"Lots of love, security, communication, support, fun life experiences!" - from Mexico
"Lead by example. Identify and support her interests and create a warm environment to grow." - from China
"Talking to him all the time. Giving love, reassurance, encouragement. Congratulating him for achievements so he takes confidence from that." - from France
"Providing educational games and toys. Playing together. Guiding their actions in everyday life." - from Russia
"Love and attention including playtime and educational time. Offering opportunities to interact with other children." - from the United Kingdom
"I can help by engaging with him during playtime and exposing him to many different things." - from the United States