This report details research conducted to understand the demographic characteristics of contemporary Australian families with young children aged 0 to 5 years – the extent to which they are empowered, connected and supported and the factors that enable this. It also identifies current data gaps and limitations, as well as broad policy implications and areas where more research is needed.

The research involves quantitative analysis of available and recent Australian data to address the following research questions:

1. what are the characteristics of Australian families with children aged 0 to 5 years?
2. how empowered, connected and supported are Australian families with children in the early years?
3. what are the enabling factors that support families to be empowered, connected and supported?

The report provides evidence that may inform thinking on the future design and delivery of policies, programs and services to support children and families in the early years. 

Key findings

• Families with children in the early years (aged 0 to 5 years) are a significant but shrinking proportion of all families in Australia.
• The vast majority of families with children in the early years are based on mixed-sex couples (85%) in single family households (92%), with either one or both parents in employment (90%).
• The research in this paper indicates that most Australian parents of 0- to 5-year-old children had mixed experiences of parenthood when measured by their self-reported levels of empowerment.
• There were no notable differences between males and females when examining levels of connection and support. There was, however, a significant difference between parents who were part of a couple and single parents.
• Overall, most parents appeared to be generally satisfied with their levels of social contact and support in their communities.