Child poverty: Survey finds growing financial worries among parents

Financial anxiety is spreading among parents in Germany, with more families worried that basic needs such as heating, clothing and food could become unaffordable within the next year.

A Forsa survey commissioned by Save the Children found that 27 percent of parents shared that concern. The figure rose from 25 percent in September 2025 and stood at 15 percent in January 2025. The poll questioned 1,001 parents of minor children between July 13 and 30.

The survey also found that the share of parents without financial worries about the future fell from 48 percent in September 2025 to 40 percent. Twenty-one percent said new furniture, outings, restaurant visits, holidays or children’s hobbies were either difficult or impossible to afford.

Another 22 percent said they had cut back on spending for their children, or at least had to consider doing so, during the previous 12 months. The areas affected included leisure activities, hobbies, celebrations and gifts.

Save the Children described the trend as worrying. “Everyday expenses, such as healthy food or clothing, are causing stress in families,” the organization said. It added that many children were having to give up things others took for granted, including hobbies, restaurant visits and holidays. Eighty-three percent of respondents said the federal government should do more to tackle child poverty.

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Everyday expenses, such as healthy food or clothing, are causing stress in families.