The idea of having just one child only interests 5% of young people aged 20 to 29 in Switzerland. A study by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) shows that in this age group, the two-child family model is the one that appeals the most: 53% of respondents say they dream of it. A quarter of those surveyed see themselves welcoming at least three babies into their home while 17% want none.
However, it would seem that the gap between desire and reality is quite significant if we compare with the actual situation of older generations, notes the OFS. Among those aged 50 to 59, only 38% have had two children, 19% have had more than three and 17% only one. One in four people have no offspring. In terms of the distribution of tasks, mothers are more involved in care and help in general. In 63% of households, for example, it is mainly mothers who stay at home when the children are sick.
The majority of other tasks are carried out jointly by the father and mother, such as playing with the children or putting them to bed. Grandparents remain a valuable help. Three quarters of them with one or more grandchildren under 13 look after them regularly or occasionally: 42% look after one of their grandchildren at least once a week, 21% at least once a month and 12% less than once a month or during vacations.
A significant difference in practices is observed between cities and the countryside. In Lausanne, Geneva, Bern, Basel and Zurich, 71% of families with children under 13 use a crèche. This proportion drops to 33% in rural areas where we logically rely more on a helping hand from grandpa or grandma.
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