Research

In September 2024, Count on Mothers examined mothers' views and firsthand experiences with U.S. public schools, including school enrollment patterns, trust in teachers and administrators, perceptions of school environment, and interest in switching school types. Drawing on a nationally representative sample of mothers across regions and the political spectrum, the survey captured five core dimensions of mothers' relationship to public education and an open-ended question on the most important problem to solve in their district's public schools. Mothers reported broadly positive views of public schools alongside specific, persistent concerns — most prominently bullying, safety, and administrative accountability.

In August 2024, Count on Mothers examined mothers' views on two bipartisan, bicameral childcare bills introduced by Senators Katie Britt (R-AL) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) — the Childcare Availability and Affordability Act and the Childcare Workforce Act. Drawing on a nationally representative sample of mothers across regions and the political spectrum, the survey evaluated proposed increases to the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit, expanded Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), and employer tax credits — alongside firsthand experience using these benefits and assessments of which policy mechanisms would most effectively support families.

From January through July 2024, Count on Mothers identified the issues mothers most want federal policymakers to address related to their children's health and safety. The two-stage study began with an open-ended question to mothers over six months, then tested the emerging themes through a structured follow-up survey of mothers across regions and the political spectrum. Five issues consistently rose to the top — substance use, abortion and reproductive health, healthcare access and cost, food access and nutrition, and childcare affordability — with striking consistency across geography, education, and ideology in both what mothers prioritize and the underlying stresses shaping family life.

In June 2024, Count on Mothers examined mothers' views on major industries and corporate accountability — identifying which sectors mothers find most concerning for families and capturing open-ended feedback directed at corporate leaders. Drawing on a nationally representative sample of mothers across regions and the political spectrum, the survey measured industry-level concern, sentiment toward business leadership, and the institutional pressure points families navigate daily. Mothers showed strong cross-partisan alignment on deep mistrust of corporate decision-making, with consistent concern that profit is prioritized over children's safety and family well-being.