Almost one in four parents in Ireland are experiencing financial difficulty due to the rising cost of raising children, according to a new survey by Schooldays.ie, that highlights growing pressure on families across the country.
The online survey of 1,878 parents of school-going children was carried out by Schooldays.ie and found that 23% of households are struggling financially amid increasing energy, grocery and back-to-school costs. Spending on food remains a major concern, with 25% of parents reporting weekly grocery bills of more than €200, while a further 37% spend between €150 and €200.
The findings also point to serious shortcomings in access to mental health and special educational needs supports. Over a quarter of parents (28%) said their child had been assessed for specialist educational needs, yet only 8% rated the assessment and support process as excellent. Twenty percent described the services as poor, while a further 25% said they were very poor.
Similarly, 28% of parents reported that their child had required mental health supports such as counselling or psychiatric care. Of those who accessed these services, nearly 59% rated their experience as poor or terrible, with more than 61% waiting six months or longer for help.
Despite these challenges, the survey suggests many families are maintaining strong connections at home. Almost half of parents said their family eats dinner together every day, while a further 40% do so several times a week. Psychologist and parenting expert Dr Mary O’Kane said shared meals play a vital role in children’s development. “Sitting around the table may seem simple, but it plays a powerful role in building communication skills, resilience and a strong sense of belonging,” she said.
Parenting approaches also appear to be shifting, with nearly 77% of parents saying they discipline children by talking issues through rather than using punishment — a method linked to better emotional outcomes.
Concerns around children’s online access were also highlighted. Most parents believe children should receive their first phone between the ages of 11 and 15, with 55% selecting age 13. A strong majority (72%) support restrictions or bans on mobile phones during the school day.
Asked what they would prioritise if they were Taoiseach, 40% of parents said free healthcare for all, followed by housing for all (21%) and free childcare (11%).
Richard Murphy, owner of Schooldays.ie, said the survey aimed to capture “what family life in Ireland feels like right now”, noting that while parents are doing their best, the pressures they face are “immense” and demand better supports from policymakers.
