Children are sensitive to the health impacts of extreme weather, and many caregivers of young children report experiencing extreme weather events. RAPID asks parents and child care providers about extreme weather to better understand the environments in which young children are developing and the experiences of the important adults in their lives.
Throughout 2022, RAPID listened to families with young children to better understand their experiences with extreme weather, and found that 78% of parents report being worried about extreme weather. These data highlight the impact of extreme weather events on caregivers and young children and how the environments in which families live are impacting children.
This fact sheet builds on these findings using August 2024 RAPID national survey data from parents of children under age 6 and child care providers. We asked caregivers about their experiences with extreme weather events and the impacts of these events on their own health and the health of the children in their care.
The majority of caregivers of young children are concerned about extreme weather
The data show that extreme weather is an issue affecting families with young children and child care providers across all income levels, races, ethnicities, and geographic locations. More than three in five (61%) parents of children under age 6 have experienced at least one extreme weather event in the past two years, and an even higher percentage of parents (69%) say they are worried about extreme weather events happening and the impact it could have on their children. Similarly, more than half (57%) of child care providers report experiencing at least one extreme weather event in the past two years.
In their responses to open-ended questions, many parents express concern and stress about extreme weather, as indicated by the quotes in this fact sheet.
“I am worried for our children and future generations’ health and safety if it gets any hotter.” Parent in South Carolina
“Extreme weather has increased our anxiety about safety and has forced us to make changes we hadn’t anticipated, like spending more on home repairs and emergency supplies. It’s also impacted our daily routine, especially when schools close or power outages occur. We’ve become more vigilant about preparing for storms, but it’s still stressful to worry about the potential damage and disruption each time a storm is forecasted. The unpredictability of the weather has made us more cautious and has influenced where we choose to live and how we manage our finances.” Parent in Florida
“I had a parent’s vehicle freeze up during the extreme cold and ice. I had to deal with their car stuck in my driveway for a week.” Center teacher in Kansas
Parents experiencing at least one extreme weather event in the past two years, overall
Abnormally warm weather is a particular concern for caregivers of young children
We asked caregivers to tell us about the types of extreme weather they are experiencing; caregivers could select more than one type of extreme weather. Almost half of parents with young children (47%) experience abnormally warm temperatures, the extreme weather event that parents most frequently report experiencing, trailed by tropical storms (13%), abnormally cold temperatures (13%), flooding (13%), drought (12%), tornadoes (10%), hurricanes (9%), and wildfires (7%).
Nearly half of child care providers also report experiencing abnormally warm temperatures (43%), the extreme weather event that providers most frequently report, followed by abnormally cold temperatures (23%), flooding (14%), drought (10%), tornadoes (9%), tropical storms (7%), hurricanes (5%), and wildfires (5%).
Extreme heat poses risks throughout childhood, such as increased heat-related injuries and conditions, and can have serious effects on children’s health, learning, and development in the future.
“We end up playing inside more because it gets dangerously hot in the summer or we try to go to museums.” Parent in Maryland
“It is scary to think about the times getting hotter, how this affects outdoor play, air quality, and skin.” Parent in New York
“My children spend more time on screens because we’re unable to go to the park or on a hike because it’s so hot outside.” Parent in New Mexico
“This summer has been very hot and humid and it has decreased the amount of time we have spent outside. I worry about dehydration and heat stroke when my kids play outside when it is so hot.” Parent in Maryland
Most caregivers are dealing with higher summertime electricity bills
To understand the potential economic impacts of abnormally warm weather on those who provide care for young children, we asked parents: “How are your current electricity costs this summer compared with an average summer month in previous years?” About three in four parents (72%) report higher electricity costs.
We also see differences in electricity costs based on where families live: 73% of families living in urban areas report higher electricity costs compared to 61% of families living in rural areas.
In a separate survey question, one in three providers (34%) report having higher electricity bills. Furthermore, in their responses to open-ended questions, parents and caregivers across the U.S. also tell us how abnormally warm weather is driving their use of electricity and about the increasing costs of electricity.
“It’s very hot in Texas, so we stay inside a lot. We also don’t keep the house very cool, because otherwise it’s quite expensive. We open windows when possible, but usually it’s just hot air out there.” Parent in Texas
“Abnormally hot weather is tough and brutal and it is expensive to manage.” Center teacher in Michigan
“Extremely hot summers where children don’t want to go outside to be children. Electric bill is extremely high every month because the air conditioner is constantly on.” Parent in Florida
Parents’ reported electricity costs compared to last summer, overall
Caregivers and young children are spending less time outside
To understand other ways that extreme weather is affecting young children and their families, we asked caregivers about changes in their health, well-being, and time spent outside.
A significant percentage of parents (84%) say their own physical health or emotional well-being is being negatively affected by extreme weather and more than half of parents (56%) report their children’s physical health or emotional well-being is being negatively affected by extreme weather. A third of providers (31%) say that extreme heat makes them more stressed and impacts their work environment or ability to provide child care.
Parents, providers, and young children are also reducing the amount of time they spend outside in response to extreme weather. Three in four (75%) parents and more than half (55%) of child care providers say they spend less time outside with children due to extreme temperatures and weather. Spending less time outside is the most prevalent extreme weather impact that parents and child care providers report.
Research shows that spending time outside in nature offers many benefits, including health benefits, to caregivers and young children, and it is notable that families and child care providers are reducing their opportunities to benefit from outside time due to extreme weather events.
“Extreme weather has caused us not to be outside as often. Due to medical issues that I have not been able to get treatment for, has caused us not to spend as much time in water. Therefore, I am not able to be outside as long which affects the children’s time. This also makes me not function properly to give them the quality care that they deserve.” Home-based provider in Delaware
“It affects the hours we spend outside. Our bills are higher and we are just stuck at home most days.” Parent in Texas
“These two years of hot weather have made me deeply understand that child care is not only about taking care of children, but also about coping with various unexpected weather conditions to ensure the safety and comfort of children.” Center teacher in Ohio
“It’s been too hot for my kids to play outside at daycare. They often come home with a lot of energy because they can’t run outside.” Parent in North Carolina
“Wildfires are always a concern in our area, and the summers continue to get hotter and drier. Smoke from nearby and far away fires can make it difficult or dangerous to be outside for several days at a time.” Parent in Arizona
The hardest thing has been keeping children safe from mosquitoes when outdoors and when there’s a heat index they have difficulty getting out their excess energy indoors. The children thrive when they can expect a routine of getting outside and, when it changes, they’re stressed.” Center teacher in Texas
Parents’ reported impacts from extreme weather, overall
Child care providers’ reported impacts from extreme weather, overall
Conclusion
Around the world, a growing number of caregivers are trying to find ways to mitigate and adapt to the uncertainty and the environmental conditions brought on by extreme weather that are threatening the development and well-being of young children and families. Increasing heat and other extreme weather events are affecting children’s health and well-being, while also heightening stress of their caregivers, who need additional support to ensure healthy indoor and outdoor environments for young children. With more caregivers experiencing extreme weather events and environmental concerns impacting families everywhere, there is an urgent need to act on caregivers’ experiences and concerns and take immediate steps to improve environmental conditions in support of a healthier planet, and thriving families and communities now and in the future.
