When You Believe in Me – new survey on parental relationships

Date: 7th February 2017
Category: Parental guidance

The poll of over 1,000 British children aged eight to fifteen reveals that nearly 80% said having a parent or guardian that encourages or believes in them is important for a positive future when they are adults.

Love (88%), listen (82%), support (75%) and trust (74%) are things children say parents, guardians and carers should do in order for them to have a happy childhood.

When asked about memories that are special to them, almost two thirds (61%) said spending quality time with their parents or guardians, and 33% said a parent or guardian reading a bed time story to them.

The survey was carried out alongside Barnardo's Fostering and Adoption Week (23th - 29th January) which appeals to people who are loving and supportive to consider fostering to make a difference to a child's life. There is currently a shortfall of around 9,000 foster carers across the UK.

Javed Khan, Barnardo's Chief Executive, said:

"This survey shows the fundamental role parents, guardians and carers play in a child's life. Fostering can transform a child's life and give them the childhood they so desperately deserve."

The theme of this year's Fostering and Adoption Week 2017 was 'When you believe in me'. To ensure children's voices are heard throughout the UK, Barnardo's will be asking 70,440 people over the next year to nominate the person that believed in them.

There is currently a shortage of foster carers across the UK, including Scotland, with particular need for carers who can provide safe, stable homes for teenagers, children with challenging behaviours and sibling groups.

• Find out more about Barnardo's Believe in Me campaign here.