The National Benchmark of U.S. Mothers is a recurring, nationally representative measure of the conditions mothers say are shaping their families.
Wave 1 findings now available.
Count on Mothers (CoM) is an independent, nonpartisan national research and insights firm dedicated to systematically measuring the lived experiences, conditions, and priorities of U.S. mothers across regions. We conduct recurring, nationally representative surveys that generate durable national indicators, paired with qualitative research that adds depth and context, translating everyday realities into structured insight for leaders shaping family policy, services, and systems.
Our work is grounded in methodological rigor and public transparency, ensuring that mothers' perspectives are reflected accurately, responsibly, and at scale. We are independent of government, advocacy groups, and industry, yet our research directly informs all three.
Mothers across all 50 states contribute to Count on Mothers because their experience belongs in the data shaping decisions about their families. We blend nationally representative surveys with qualitative depth to capture both scale and context, producing public reports and analysis designed to inform measurable action. When the conditions mothers report emerge consistently across geography, ideology, and background, they become durable indicators of what families need, trust, and prioritize. That is what institutions can build on.
Are you a mother? Your perspective belongs here. Join the Count.
The National Benchmark of U.S. Mothers is a recurring, nationally representative measurement of family life, fielding twice a year. It tracks five plain-language indicators: maternal capacity and stress, family economic pressure, institutional trust and accountability, youth environment and commercial conditions, and child wellbeing access and support. Together they measure the conditions mothers identify as directly shaping their family's ability to thrive, and what families need, trust, and prioritize as a result.
Wave 1 fielded May 7 to 27, 2026, surveying [n=2,818] U.S. mothers through a probability-based national panel blended with The Count, CoM's opt-in community, with results weighted to U.S. Census benchmarks. The Benchmark is supported by a Methodology Advisory Board of academic researchers at University College London, whose oversight strengthens methodological rigor across waves.
Read the full methodology.
Count on Mothers research has contributed to federal policy discussions and national public debate. Our findings have been entered into the official Congressional Record on childcare, paid leave, and technology policy, requested directly by U.S. Senators and Representatives for submission, and cited in congressional one-pagers, public statements, and national press including Education Week and Newsweek. Count on Mothers has informed the work of advocacy organizations, policy coalitions, and industry partners, and is building the standing infrastructure that foundations, health systems, employer coalitions, technology platforms, and the institutions working to strengthen systems serving families can rely on for credible, independent, decision-relevant analysis.
Learn more about partnering with Count on Mothers.
Our voice is stronger together.
"A mother’s voice speaks not only for herself, but for our future. Count On Mothers understands that. And it's why I was so thrilled to jump in and help grow the voices of mothers where we need them most."
"Count on Mothers helped elevate the lived experiences of thousands of mothers into actionable insights for policymakers. We would recommend working with them to any organization seeking rigorous, high-quality national research that drives real impact."
"Mothers are an incredibly passionate and dedicated group. Individually we make a difference in the lives around us every day. Collectively, if we raise our voices, we can make a difference on a national level. Count on Mothers harnesses this potential."
We are focused on one purpose: putting real‑time, firsthand data from mothers into the conversations where consequential decisions are made. Through an ongoing program of nationally representative studies, we capture what families are experiencing right now and translate those findings into clear, actionable briefs for advocacy groups, newsrooms, lawmakers, and industry leaders. When mothers’ voices are in the room, policies, products, and practices align more closely, and safely, with what families actually need.
Contact us to get involved. Read our Founder Story.
Anchor Mom Advisors are a nationwide group of mothers across the political spectrum who bring regional context and lived experience into our research. They advise on survey design, help interpret findings, and provide grounded insight into what families are experiencing locally.
Our nationally representative surveys ensure statistical rigor; Anchor Moms ensure our work stays rooted in real, everyday family life. Each is committed to making mothers’ firsthand knowledge visible in decisions affecting children’s safety, health, and well-being.
Learn about becoming an Anchor Mom Advisor.
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Wave 1 is the first reading of a recurring, nationally representative measure of how U.S. mothers and families are doing. Six findings, from the care mothers skip for themselves, to their distrust of AI companies, to the products marketed to their children. Fielded May 2026 with 2,818 mothers.
Read Wave 1
