Parents Increasingly Rely on Baby Boomer Relatives for Financial and Childcare Support Amid Affordability Crisis
Nearly two in five parents with young children, specifically 37%, anticipate receiving financial assistance from their parents or grandparents in the coming year, according to the BMO Real Financial Progress Index. This reliance on older generations, often referred to as the 'Bank of Baby Boomers,' is a direct response to the escalating costs of raising children in the U.S. The report indicates that 82% of American parents believe the cost of raising children has become 'out of control,' with 86% struggling with everyday expenses like daycare, after-school programs, and school supplies. Beyond financial aid, 43% of parents depend on grandparents for childcare, and 26% expect family members to contribute to their children's future savings, such as 529 plans. This trend signifies a shift where younger families are actively seeking support from older relatives rather than solely waiting for a 'Great Wealth Transfer.'