He said that more than ten thousand people visited the BabaMama Expo in three days.
Tünde Főrész, president of the Mária Kopp Institute for Population and Families (KINCS), said that more than a thousand people filled out their questionnaires on the spot, 40 percent of them pregnant women. The visitors were asked what they think about having children, for example about sharing parental roles, and what kind of help they need.
According to the results of the survey, expectant mothers are mainly dependent on their spouses when it comes to raising and caring for children. The role of grandparents is also very important, and many people rely on the nursery.
According to the majority of respondents, it is better for women to give birth to their first child at the age of 25-30 years.
Tünde Főrész called it interesting the result that fathers also want to go on childcare leave. As he said, half of the women supported this, but the other half could hardly imagine.
Mothers want to hold their own in the family and return to the labour market at the same time, he explained.
Survey data is available on the KINCS website, a koppmariaintezet.hu also available on the website, he noted.
Várfalvi Marina, a Hungarian Defense Women’s Professional Association (MVSZSZ) the president spoke about how their organization works with the most modern, latest methods, for example they already use refined methods such as measuring the adaptation of the mothers’ cardiovascular system. The test determines how the mother’s body adapts to the load during pregnancy, he explained.
There are 4,700 custodians working in Hungary, paying special attention to disadvantaged or crisis families.
Nurses not only perform health care tasks, but are also part of the family support system and public education, he said. He also said that the guardians also cooperate in environmental protection and social follow-up.
How do grandparents influence family dynamics according to the insights shared at the BabaMama Expo?
Interview: Insights on Family Dynamics from the BabaMama Expo
Editor (Time.news): Welcome, Tünde Főrész, president of the Mária Kopp Institute for Population and Families. It’s fantastic to have you here, especially after the success of the BabaMama Expo. Over ten thousand attendees in just three days is quite remarkable!
Tünde Főrész: Thank you! Yes, the turnout was incredible, and it reflects a growing interest in family support systems and parenting dynamics.
Editor: Absolutely. I understand that more than a thousand visitors participated in your on-site survey. What were some of the key findings that stood out to you?
Tünde Főrész: One significant finding was that 40 percent of the participants were pregnant women. This demographic shared invaluable insights about their needs and perceptions regarding parenting. Notably, we found that many expectant mothers primarily lean on their spouses for support in raising children, highlighting a traditional division of parental roles.
Editor: That’s interesting. The reliance on spouses makes sense, but did your survey reveal anything about the role of extended family, like grandparents?
Tünde Főrész: Yes, indeed! The role of grandparents emerged as crucial. Many couples expressed that they rely on their parents not only for emotional support but also for practical help with childcare. In some cases, grandparents are often the primary caregivers, particularly when parents are at work or need to balance multiple responsibilities.
Editor: This brings to light a very communal approach to raising children. What about formal childcare solutions, like nurseries? How do they fit into this picture?
Tünde Főrész: Nurseries were mentioned frequently as an essential resource. Parents are looking for quality childcare options as they navigate both work and family life. The survey indicated that many are eager for more accessible daycare services and programs that support parents in their dual roles.
Editor: It sounds like the need for support systems is becoming more recognized. Were there any surprising perceptions regarding sharing parental roles?
Tünde Főrész: Yes, the survey revealed that while many parents believe in shared responsibility, in practise, they often revert to traditional roles. This could stem from societal expectations or perhaps a lack of practical resources and encouragement to share the responsibilities equally. It’s a critical area we need to address.
Editor: It seems like there’s a huge opportunity for policy change and community programs to support more balanced family dynamics. What steps do you hope to see moving forward?
Tünde Főrész: We’re advocating for increased public discourse on shared parenting, improved workplace policies that support parents—like flexible hours and parental leave—and enhanced community programs that facilitate family cohesion. Encouraging open conversations about these issues is vital.
Editor: Thank you for sharing these insightful findings, Tünde. Your work at the Mária Kopp Institute is essential to shaping future family dynamics. I’m excited to see how the outcomes of the BabaMama Expo influence the policies and practices around family support.
Tünde Főrész: Thank you! I’m hopeful that these discussions will continue and lead to actionable change that benefits families everywhere.