According to the modern understanding children are seen as independent, active and competent participants of the society. These parenting methods and attitudes towards children assure their welfare and versatile development. On the other hand, it is also important to support parental education. The study focuses on these two topics (parenting and children’s rights), analysing both children’s’ and parents’ opinions.

The study focuses on different parental styles in the Estonian society and how they are implemented. The parents’ need of parenting support and the availability of receiving advice is brought out.

Results

The awareness of children’s rights is relatively low, 84% of children and 73% of grownups have heard about it. This shows the importance of raising awareness of the topic, as 1/3 of people do not consider the opinions of children to be important.  The study also analyses the development of children and their readiness, vulnerability, responsibility and other aspects. In addition, the involvement and listening to the children by their parents is analysed based on the study results.

According to the law, it is mandatory to inform about a child in need of assistance. However, the study reveals that only half of the people agree with this statement. The relationships between the parents and children and the main ways of disciplining children is outlined. Most of the surveyed children live with their mother, but quarter of children doesn’t live with their father. More than half of the children would like to see the parent that is living separately more often. Every fifth child feels that their parent does not have enough time for them.

The prevailing opinion in Estonia is that parents should know well how to raise their children, although it is brought out that those who would like to have parental support, do not know where to find it.

See also

 

Republic of Estonia Child Protection Act

Ombudsman for children homepage