Almost half of child caregivers in Puerto Rico raise their children differently than they were raised.

Parenting Experiences Survey Reveals Generational Shifts in Discipline, Communication, and Family Priorities

The Survey of Child Rearing Experiences in Puerto Rico revealed, among other data, that 48.6% of surveyed caregivers use disciplinary styles different from those they experienced with their own parents, reflecting a possible generational shift in parenting practices and in how Puerto Rican families approach the upbringing, communication, and well-being of children.

The study, developed through an alliance between ESCAPE, the Family Strengthening Center, and the Puerto Rico Institute of Statistics, collected the experiences, challenges, and needs of 1,143 voluntary participants via a self-administered online questionnaire conducted between February and June 2025. The survey was descriptive in nature and explored topics related to parenting experiences, discipline and communication, technology and quality time, as well as support needs and expectations for children's futures.

Among the most relevant findings of the survey are:

• More than two-thirds of respondents stated that parenting is more difficult or much more difficult than they expected.

• The main challenge identified was achieving a work-life balance (62.3%).

• 44.3% cited lack of personal time and rest as one of their biggest challenges.

• 41.6% expressed a need for tools to manage stress and their own mental health.

• 57.2% reported arguments related to the use of technological devices at home.

• 4% identified the use of physical aggression as a disciplinary strategy.

• 94% of participants indicated that they praise their children's achievements "almost always" or "always."

• Most participants defined discipline as a formative tool for teaching values and setting clear boundaries.

The survey also reflected that caregivers prioritize the development of self-esteem and self-confidence, responsible decision-making, and healthy emotional management for children's futures.

"The information collected allows us to better understand how family dynamics are changing and what real challenges are faced by those responsible for raising children in Puerto Rico. This data is fundamental for developing more effective public policies, programs, and interventions tailored to the current needs of Puerto Rican families," stated Dr. Orville M. Disdier Flores, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Institute of Statistics.

Meanwhile, Yadira Pizarro Quiles, Executive Director of ESCAPE, highlighted that the results provide an important X-ray of families' emotional and structural needs. "This survey confirms the importance of continuing to strengthen families through prevention. Understanding how mothers, fathers, and caregivers are experiencing parenting allows us to better direct our efforts, develop support tools, and promote strategies that strengthen children's well-being and help prevent child abuse in Puerto Rico."

As part of the strategic recommendations derived from the study, it is proposed to strengthen emotional support initiatives for caregivers, promote flexible work policies, drive digital literacy campaigns at home, and expand preventive education efforts on parenting and those related to child well-being and protection.

The Survey of Child Rearing Experiences in Puerto Rico is available at the following link: www.estadisticas.pr.gov/productos/encuesta-de-experiencias-de-crianza-de-menores-en-puerto-rico-2025.