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Respondents to a new UNICEF study seek support to embrace and navigate parenthood amid wartime challenges, with 86 per cent calling for a national parenting programme.
KYIV, 27 June 2025 – Some 67 per cent of parents in Ukraine lack access to essential parenting resources, with only 20 per cent having attended one dedicated parenting course, according to responses to a new UNICEF poll. Access to essential services—particularly parenting support—is cited as a pressing need, with 86 per cent of caregivers expressing the need for a national parenting programme.
"Parenting is one of the most important jobs in the world, but it's also one of the most challenging, especially amidst war," says Shameza Abdulla, UNICEF Representative (a.i.) to Ukraine. "Children who grow up with nurturing, loving and empowered parents are much more likely to thrive throughout life and play an active role in society and Ukraine’s recovery,” added Abdulla.
The research also reveals that Ukrainian parents lack essential information to promote and practice positive parenting across key areas of child development, such as breastfeeding, access to social services, self-care, and protection from violence.
“In 2024, the Government approved the Strategy to Ensure the Child’s Right to Grow Up in a Family Environment. As part of its implementation—specifically the goal of strengthening family capacity—we are working on the development of a National Parenting Programme. This programme will combine the best Ukrainian and international practices, shaping a shared vision of how the state can support parents, strengthen their skills and competencies, and ensure that every child grows up in a nurturing and safe environment,” said Iryna Tulyakova, Head of the Coordination Centre for Family Upbringing and Childcare Development of Ukraine.
Responses from prospective parents are also alarming, with only 21 per cent stating they plan to have children soon and 26 per cent postponing parenthood until after the war. The more than three years of war and related instability in the country are cited as the main reasons for choosing not to become parents. Other findings include:
- 32 per cent of parents are still using harsh or punitive disciplinary practices on occasions, including physical punishment such as slapping.
- Only 29 per cent of parents correctly identified the optimal duration of exclusive breastfeeding — 6 months — despite overall support for breastfeeding.
- 40 per cent of new or prospective parents support raising children free from gender stereotypes, while 23 per cent still view traditional gender roles as necessary in parenting.
At the same time, 89 per cent of parents recognize that an emotional connection between a child and a parent is important for the child’s development and emotional security. Parents possess a high level of knowledge about responsive caregiving practices for infants and developmental activities, and often put them into practice.
UNICEF and the Coordination Centre for Family Upbringing and Childcare Development of Ukraine advocate for a national parenting programme to be grounded in global best practices, while tailored to Ukraine's context. This includes a focus on good health; adequate nutrition; safety and security; responsive caregiving; and opportunities for early learning. The goals include empowering parents to adopt positive parenting behaviours, enhancing self-care practices, strengthening access to people-centred services, all of which are key to ensuring children are raised in nurturing environments.
To mark parenting month, UNICEF launched the Parenting Hub — a trusted space with evidence-based guidance and tools to help families raise children with care, confidence, and resilience in today’s challenging context.
The research was conducted by the Rating Group and Advanter Group with analytical support from the Centre for Social Change and Behavioural Economics in May 2025 and follows a national poll conducted by Gradus Research, Advanter Group, and the Centre for Social Change and Behavioural Economics. Ukrainians were asked about their plans for parenthood, as well as their parenting skills and competencies.
Notes to Editors:
The research findings are based on studies including:
- National poll on readiness to have children, conducted by Gradus and Advanter Group in November 2024.
- Targeted poll on parenting, among those planning to have children, pregnant women, and parents of children aged 0-6 years, conducted by Rating Group and Advanter Group in May 2025.
The UNICEF Nurturing Care Framework for Early Childhood is available here.
Media contacts
Toby Fricker
Chief Advocacy and Communications
UNICEF Ukraine
Tel: +38-050-245-67-31
Email: tfricker@unicef.org