What would parents give up for a healthy child?

Most parents would give up social media, the vacation of a lifetime and even their best friend – all for the well-being of their child.

The survey of 2,000 parents of children aged 0-8 looked at what parents would be willing to give up if it meant their child was happy and healthy as the back-to-school season approaches, colds and the first flu of the coming season.

If their child was mentally and emotionally healthy, parents would be willing to give up social media (76%), their smartphones (61%) and even electricity (39%).

Concerts (71%) and sporting events (71%) would also be off the table, and 66% said they would even forego travel and vacations for the peace of mind knowing their child’s well-being is at stake. good.

But activities weren’t the only thing on the table.

Respondents were also asked about relationships they would be willing to give up.

Many said they would give up their best friend (60%), living with their partner (41%), or being able to talk to their parents (40%) if it got in the way somehow their child does not get sick with any disease or. diseases.

Taking things a step further, the average parent would be willing to pay more than $30,000 in debt so that their child could be treated quickly for a cold or flu for the rest of their life.

Conducted by Talker Research on behalf of TYLENOL, the survey moved away from these hypothetical “what ifs” to explore what parents actually do to keep their child as happy and healthy as possible.

Almost two-thirds (63%) of parents said keeping their child healthy is their top priority during the back-to-school season.

This may be why the majority noted that, in addition to new supplies (85%) and new clothes (82%), medications (52%) and hand sanitizer (75%) are just as essential in after-school shopping . list.

The average parent reported thinking about ways to keep their child happy and healthy more than 16 times a day, and two-thirds of parents are more worried about their child getting sick during the back-to-school season than any other time during the year.

In fact, parents report losing an average of five hours of sleep a night caring for their sick child.

“Looking at the data, it’s clear that American parents are willing to give up anything if they can ensure that their children are always in good physical and emotional health,” said Dr. Mona Amin, TYLENOL brand partner, pediatrician and mom.

“With back-to-school right around the corner, the likelihood that parents have already reported going in preparation for cold and flu season is surprising. When choosing the right medicines, it is important to choose trusted brands with historical reputations. Products that are color-free and taste great are a win-win for parents – ensuring you don’t have to compromise between safety and your child’s willingness to take medicine.”

When asked how often respondents go through their medicine cabinets, tossing out old, expired items and restocking with new products, nearly three-quarters (72%) said they go no more than every several months and meet on average four times a year. year.

Two in five (41%) rarely find expired bottles; however 10% admit to having a bottle between three and six years old hiding behind.

Parents keep their medicine cabinets stocked with pain relievers and fever reducers (81%), cold and flu medications (77%), a thermometer (73%), tissues (68%) and cough drops (57%).

However, 71% needed specific medications for their child in the past year and found they didn’t have them on hand, and 38% of these parents went to several stores to find them.

In the event that all parents surveyed do not have the medication they need, 37% said there is no limit to how far they would travel to get that medication with one in 10 (11%) explicitly stating that they would they drove more than 50 miles.

More than a third (36%) would even be willing to travel to more than 10 different stores to find it for their child.

WHAT WILL AMERICAN PARENTS GIVE UP FOR HEALTHY AND HAPPY CHILDREN?

Social media – 76%

TV – 66%

Smartphone – 61%

Food delivery services – 61%

Friends – 60%

Wi-Fi – 55%

Car – 45%

Electricity – 39%

Survey methodology:

Talker Research surveyed 2,000 parents of children aged 0-8; the survey was commissioned by TYLENOL and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between July 25 and July 31, 2024.