RISMEDIA, April 4, 2008-Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC and BabyCenter LLC, a destination for new moms and expecting parents, released a comprehensive new survey focused on “Moms Today,” which found that children’s ages and needs play a major role in when and why American families move.
The BabyCenter/Coldwell Banker study, which surveyed 2,432 moms across the country on their opinions and attitudes relative to their home and family, found that a full 68% of those surveyed who moved in the last 18 months indicated they did so during their pregnancy or within the first two years of their child’s lives compared to just 13% reporting a move after their children entered kindergarten.
The primary reasons for moving included the traditional responses of more space, wanting a nicer home and being in a good or better school district. Yet other reasons cited shed light on how much a child’s school and family lifestyle play in family decisions. For instance:
– Those citing moving for an easier commute changed from a high of 34% during pregnancy to just 21% when their children are in grade school.
– Moving because of a job transfer drops from a high of 27% when children are aged one-to-four to 17% when children are school age.
– Those citing wanting a better climate as a reason for a move drops from a high of 13% with toddlers to just two percent after the kids enter school.
“We have long stated that lifestyle changes are reasons why people move and having a child is one of those defining moments in life that might call for a new home,” said Jim Gillespie, president and chief executive officer of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. “The study validates what real estate professionals have explained for years. Families work their way up in types and locations of their homes and eventually settle into their ‘long-term’ home when their children enter school, develop friends and engage in activities.”
As mom’s engage with their children, education remains a focal point of the family. According to the survey findings 43% of moms reported that they are nervous about being able to afford a good education for their children. Additionally, 50% of moms admit to worrying about their children getting a good education and good opportunities.
But the moms are getting help from their significant other as 64% think the best thing about being a mom today is the expectation of men to share more in the childcare responsibilities. Along with “their man’s” assistance, technology is having a positive impact on moms. Thirty percent of moms say technology such as cell phones, the Web and services like TiVo make life easier for today’s mom.
These advances could not come at a better time, because 53% surveyed believed being a mom today is harder than it was during their mothers’ days.
“The results of this survey reflect the change of women’s roles in modern society,” said Linda Murray, editor-in-chief of BabyCenter. “Mothers continue to focus on providing the best possible life for their kids, including home and education, but are now getting more help from their partners and from technology.”
The survey which was conducted online and offline by novaQuant for BabyCenter® and the Coldwell Banker® organization, also found that the kitchen is increasing its value as a cornerstone of family activity.
“Obviously the kitchen has always been a main area of family life,” said Gillespie. “It was fascinating to see that 39 percent of the moms surveyed wanted the latest technology to be brought into the kitchen, more than any other room. Computers, music, television and the like are making the kitchen an even greater gathering point in American family life. It is also no wonder then that 33 percent of the moms would welcome a kitchen renovation more than any other in their home.”
Other Noteworthy Statistics:
– Today’s mom, while seeing the house as a home first, clearly understands the investment value of their home. More than 70%, at least once a year, check the value of their home.
– 13% of moms think Reese Witherspoon is the quintessential Modern Mom.
– While 12% think Jennifer Garner is and 10% think Brooke Shields is a good representative.
This survey was conducted online from January 17- February 5, 2008. A total of 2,432 respondents completed the survey, recruited from both the BabyCenter® panel (maintained by Socratic Technologies) as well as pop-ups on the BabyCenter® site. Only female U.S. residents with children were included in the survey. The survey was fielded by novaQuant Inc.
For more information, visit www.babycenter.com and www.coldwellbanker.com.
