Most parents miss kids’ milestones after exhausting their vacation days
This story version has been formatted as an on-air script for broadcast outlets. See the original research story here.
PARENTS ARE BURNING THROUGH THEIR P-T-O… AND IT'S COSTING THEM TIME WITH THEIR KIDS.
A NEW SURVEY OF 2,000 WORKING PARENTS FROM LYSOL FOUND FOUR IN TEN HAVE MISSED MEANINGFUL MOMENTS WITH THEIR CHILDREN BECAUSE THEY RAN OUT OF PAID TIME OFF.
THE AVERAGE PARENT USES MORE THAN 40 PERCENT OF THEIR P-T-O ON THEIR CHILD, OFTEN CARING FOR THEM WHEN THEY'RE SICK.
THE STUDY, CONDUCTED BY TALKER RESEARCH, FOUND HALF OF PARENTS HAVE MISSED AN IMPORTANT SCHOOL EVENT, WITH MANY SAYING THEY'D ALREADY USED THEIR TIME OFF TAKING CARE OF A SICK CHILD.
SO WHAT ABOUT YOU? HAVE YOU EVER HAD TO CHOOSE BETWEEN SAVING A P-T-O DAY AND SHOWING UP FOR AN IMPORTANT FAMILY MOMENT?
Research methodology:
Talker Research surveyed 2,000 employed parents of kids 0-10; the survey was commissioned by Lysol and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between June 17-June 25, 2026. A link to the questionnaire can be found here.
To view the complete methodology as part of AAPOR’s Transparency Initiative, please visit the Talker Research Process and Methodology page.
Stories and infographics by ‘Talker Research’ are available & ready to use. Stories and videos by ‘Talker News’ are managed by Talker Inc. For queries, please submit an inquiry via our contact form.
Plan to find potholes with AI draws jeers online
Social media users were less than impressed with the plans.
Experts predict ‘spectacular’ mushroom season
Experts suggest species will fruit “prolifically” once autumn rainfall becomes more established and moisture returns to the soil.
Spring or fall? Plants ‘confused’ after record hot summer
Some plants had effectively paused during the heat and are now responding to wetter weather with fresh growth.
Sewage sickness? Reports of illness after dips in UK waters climb
Between January and August this year, 1,687 people reported they got sick after using the water at rivers, lakes and...
Can your favorite music help reduce pain?
Scientists found playing patients’ preferred tunes before a typical procedure before an MRI minimized pain and stress.
Animals5 days agoDo owners who share beds with their dogs sleep more soundly?
Tech3 days agoSimple formula could predict when AI chatbots will go ‘rogue’
Outer Space5 days agoNASA reveals ‘cauldron of cosmic creation’ in stunning new images
Tech5 days agoWhy nearly 3 in 5 agree brands must disclose AI use
Life5 days agoBillionaire wins approval for 40-acre solar farm at historic estate
Animals4 days agoGiant tortoise population thriving as 180,000 found on one island
Animals4 days agoWhat is keeping the world’s oldest tortoise going at 194?
Science4 days agoBattery-free future? Mesh grown with human cells makes its own power
