Authors

• Hietamäki, Johanna (Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare)
• Lammi-Taskula, Johanna (Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare)
• Alasuutari, Maarit (University of Jyväskylä)
• Hautala, Paula (University of Jyväskylä)
• Kuukka, Anu (University of Jyväskylä)
• Kuusiholma, Julia (University of Jyväskylä)
• Ruutiainen, Ville (University of Jyväskylä)
• Räikkönen, Eija (University of Jyväskylä)
• Eerola, Petteri (Tampere University)
• Karila, Kirsti (Tampere University)
• Paananen, Maiju (Tampere University)
• Repo, Katja (Tampere University)

Keywords

child care, child day care, child development, children, family life, labour and employment, parental role, parents, pre-primary education

Abstract

The survey examined the circumstances of families with one-year-old children regarding, among other topics, living arrangements, income, parental roles, childcare arrangements, and childcare allowances and vouchers. Respondents included the guardians of one-year-old children in Finland. The survey was conducted as part of the Finnish Childcare Policies: In/equality in Focus (CHILDCARE) research project, a joint collaboration by the University of Jyväskylä, Tampere University and Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare.

First, the respondents were asked about their one-year-old child's health and development. Questions surveyed, for example, breastfeeding, possible medical conditions, and the respondents' relationship with their child. Regarding childcare arrangements, the respondents were asked where they had looked for information on day care services and financial support, what arrangements they had in place for their one-year-old and any other children, how satisfied they were with the arrangements, and whether they received any financial support towards the cost of childcare. Further questions were asked based on whether the child was at home or looked after by an unpaid carer or in day care.

Next, the respondents' work situation, work and family life balance, physical and mental health, and changes in family circumstances were surveyed. Questions also focused on the support the respondents received with parenting, as well as their financial situation, political decision-making, and views on day care-related issues on a municipal and general level.

Background variables included, among others, the respondent's municipality of residence (categorised), gender, age group, marital status, family composition, relationship to the one-year-old child, level of education, current activity and employment, and household income. Additionally, background information relating to the child was collected, including the child's gender, age, living arrangements, and information on the child's guardians. The education and current activity of the respondent's spouse/partner were also charted.